Whether it was Sylvius Hogg or Hulda that first broached the subject, it would be hard to say, nor does it matter much.

This much is certain, however, the professor soon became thoroughly acquainted with the situation of affairs.

He was told of the danger that had threatened Dame Hansen and her children, and how the usurer would have driven them from their old home in a fortnight if the debt had not been paid by the surrender of the ticket.
Sylvius Hogg listened attentively to this sad story.
"You should not have given up the ticket," he cried, vehemently; "no, you should not have done it." "How could I help it, Monsieur Sylvius ?" replied the poor girl, greatly troubled.
"You could not, of course, and yet--Ah, if I had only been here!" And what would Professor Sylvius Hogg have done had he been there?
He did not say, however, but continued: "Yes, my dear Hulda; yes, Joel, you did the best you could, under the circumstances.

But what enrages me almost beyond endurance is the fact that this Sandgoist will profit greatly, no doubt, by this absurd superstition on the part of the public.

If poor Ole's ticket should really prove to be the lucky one this unprincipled scoundrel will reap all the benefit.