Among the many he had helped to an education, his neighbor Lars Hogstad stood foremost.  Lars was not much younger than Canute, but had developed more slowly.  Being in the habit of talking much of what he read and thought, Canute found in Lars—­who bore a quiet, earnest manner—­a good listener, and step by step a sensible judge.  The result was, that he went reluctantly to the meetings of the board, unless first furnished with Lars Hogstad’s advice, concerning whatever matter of importance was before it, which matter was thus most likely to result in practical improvement.  Canute’s influence, therefore, brought his neighbor in as a member of the board, and finally into everything with which he himself was connected.  They always rode together to the meetings, where Lars never spoke, and only on the road to and from, could Canute learn his opinion.  They were looked upon as inseparable.

One fine autumn day, the parish-commissioners were convened, for the purpose of considering, among other matters, a proposal made by the Foged, to sell the public grain-magazine, and with the proceeds establish a savings-bank.  Canute Aakre, the chairman, would certainly have approved this, had he been guided by his better judgment; but, in the first place, the motion was made by the Foged, whom Wergeland did not like, consequently, neither did Canute; secondly, the grain-magazine had been erected by his powerful paternal grandfather, by whom it was presented to the parish.  To him the proposal was not free from an appearance of personal offence; therefore, he had not spoken of it to any one, not even to Lars, who never himself introduced a subject.

As chairman, Canute read the proposal without comment, but, according to his habit, looked over to Lars, who sat as usual a little to one side, holding a straw between his teeth; this he always did when entering upon a subject, using it as he would a toothpick, letting it hang loosely in one corner of his mouth, or turning it more quickly or slowly, according to the humor he was in.  Canute now saw with surprise, that the straw moved very fast.  He asked quickly, “Do you think we ought to agree to this?”

Lars answered dryly, “Yes, I do.”

The whole assembly, feeling that Canute was of quite a different opinion, seemed struck, and looked at Lars, who said nothing further, nor was further questioned.  Canute turned to another subject, as if nothing had happened, and did not again resume the question till toward the close of the meeting, when he asked with an air of indifference if they should send it back to the Foged for closer consideration, as it certainly was contrary to the mind of the people of the parish, by whom the grain-magazine was highly valued; also, if he should put upon the record, “Proposal deemed inexpedient.”

“Against one vote,” said Lars.

“Against two,” said another instantly.

“Against three,” said a third, and before the chairman had recovered from his surprise, a majority had declared in favor of the proposal.