We all thought Peter's three stories first rate, but he was not going to
be put off with praise, and asked Anders if he knew _The Companion_.
"Yes," was the answer, "but it's a long story, though a very good one."
"If it's long, the sooner you begin it the better," said Peter; "and
then it will be sooner over."
Anders made no more mouths about it, but began: