The arrow polisher has reddened. It feels like a slap in the face. Then he realizes that Stig does not know how matters stand! He is on the wrong track. It will be different when –

‘Could you wait a moment?’ he says, with a cough, speaking to the back of Stig’s neck.

Stig merely shakes his obstinate head in irritation. He cannot endure the arrow polisher at this moment. He is involved in something that makes him feel a particular animosity towards the arrow polisher as he stands there polishing. Or he has just heard that a valuable companion has been caught and driven away. At any rate he shakes off the arrow polisher coldly, without turning, without answering. Another fellow comes out of the first side corridor in front of him, and he and Stig nod to each other so secretly and knowingly that only the arrow polisher, insulted and afraid, notices it. Then they go each in his own direction, and Stig is quickly lost in the crannies of the house.

And that is all.

The arrow polisher remains stock-still for a long time. He is smarting with bitterness. Stig’s icy contempt is eating into him. And at the same time his anxiety is mounting because of the warning he has been given. Under observation…. It must have come from Stig and his lot after all. Stig has sent the note, that’s why he walked past me like that.

What will they do now?

What am I to do now?

His thoughts dart hither and thither. His anger and fear go hand in hand. Now there’s no chance of getting in with Stig. No point in trying any more after this. I wouldn’t have wanted to any more either! He feels bound to tell himself this, although he knows inside that he would like to all the same. For they are the ones who will turn out the stronger. But he dare not meet Stig’s eyes again.

So what am I to do?

And it’s urgent.

It’s urgent! he repeats. They’re after me. They can’t endure seeing me do an honest job. And when I decide to go over to their side they give me the cold shoulder. All they want is to get me out of the way.

I, who have done nothing.

He is seething with anger and hurt and disappointment. And the shock of fear where the note alighted is lying like a chill within him. He cannot take up his polishing again. He is working himself up into a state.

They’re after me!

It doesn’t matter that they have no reason. He knows how they go to work. First a warning, then they come and finish you off.

And the first warning has come already! So it’s clear that they’re after him and will take further action.

He clutches the strut of the stepladder, feeling enormously lonely. Frank and Freda, he thinks, but it does not help him. Their expressions have told him that he is on the way to being lonely at home as well. They do not under stand him. So he really is lonely.