"There's almost two months' rent due now. Eighteen dollars for the
November rent and $27.50 for December."
"Can you pay the rent?" the judge asked of Jan.
Jan looked and blinked and tried to think of something to say. He could only think of "My wife Paula ran away last night. Here, she wrote this letter left me on the table when I come home last night."
"I see," said the judge. "But what about the rent? If I give you until
January 10, do you think you can pay it?"
"I don't know," said Jan, rubbing his eyes. "I got job now, but they going to layoff after new year. If I have job I pay it all. I can pay $10 now."
"Have you got it with you," asked the judge.
"Yes," said Jan. "I was going to buy Christmas present for Paula, but she ran away."
* * * * *
Jan handed over the $10 and listened to the judge explain that he would be allowed to stay where he was until January 10 and have till then to pay his rent. When this was over he walked out, putting his hat on too soon, so that the bailiff cried: "Hats off in the courtroom." Jan grabbed his hat and grew red.
Now he had almost a full hour and a half before going to the factory. It had taken less time than he thought. Jan started to walk. It was cold and the streets were slippery. He walked along with his hands in the frayed pockets of his overcoat and his breath congealing over his walrus mustache.