When I had found the house I returned again into the quiet street and walked to and fro there for a while, thinking of what tale I should tell to the physician, and all the time the little man watched me with his keen eyes.

At last I had made up my story and went to the house, only to find that the physician was from home.

Having inquired when I might find him I left, and once more took to the narrow street, walking slowly till I came to where the little man sat.

As I passed him, his broad hat with which he was fanning himself slipped to the ground before my feet.

I stooped down, lifted it from the pavement, and restored it to him.
'A thousand thanks, young sir,' he said in a full and gentle voice.