Alfred was sitting in the hut reading.

A beggar, who had by some means or other found his way in over the frozen morasses, came to the door, and asked for food.
Alfred, looking up from his book, asked the mother, whoever she was, to go and see what there was to give him.

She went to make examination, and presently returned, saying that there was nothing to give him.

There was only a single loaf of bread remaining, and that would not be half enough for their own wants that very night when the hunting party should return, if they should come back unsuccessful from their expedition.

Alfred hesitated a moment, and then ordered half the loaf to be given to the beggar.