But he wanted it, and therefore proudly elevated himself above his drinking companions, not desiring to see in them anything but wrong.
One day in a tavern a certain half-intoxicated man complained to him of his life.

This was a small-sized, meagre man, with dim, frightened eyes, unshaven, in a short frock coat, and with a bright necktie.

He blinked pitifully, his ears quivered spasmodically, and his soft little voice also trembled.
"I've struggled hard to make my way among men; I've tried everything, I've worked like a bull.

But life jostled me aside, crushed me under foot, gave me no chance.

All my patience gave way.