Several misfortunes followed, and he kept going downhill; but the worst of all was when his barn, with all that it contained, burned down in the middle of the winter; no one knew how the fire had originated.
"This has been done by some one who wishes me ill," said Anders,--and he wept that night.

He was now a poor man and had lost all ambition for work.
The next evening Baard appeared in his room.

Anders was in bed when he entered, but sprang directly up.
"What do you want here ?" he cried, then stood silent, staring fixedly at his brother.
Baard waited a little before he answered,-- "I wish to offer you help, Anders; things are going badly for you." "I am faring as you meant I should, Baard! Go, I am not sure that I can control myself." "You mistake, Anders; I repent"-- "Go, Baard, or God be merciful to us both!" Baard fell back a few steps, and with quivering voice he murmured,-- "If you want the watch you shall have it." "Go, Baard!" shrieked the other, and Baard left, not daring to linger longer.
Now with Baard it had been as follows: As soon as he had heard of his brother's misfortunes, his heart melted; but pride held him back.

He felt impelled to go to church, and there he made good resolves, but he was not able to carry them out.

Often he got far enough to see Anders' house; but now some one came out of the door; now there was a stranger there; again Anders was outside chopping wood, so there was always something in the way.