A Friend In Need

Tor sat on the steps of the bridge and thought deeply about his problem. Lars crossed the footbridge and, seeing Tor on the ground, exclaimed, “What is this we have here sitting all mopy on the walking path?”

Tor hung his head and shook his head from side to side. “It’s no use, Lars. She won’t come with me even after I gave her the best gifts money could buy,” moaned Tor.

“Well, my friend, women can be demanding. It would help if you gave her a little time, and she’ll come around to seeing this your way,” said Lars cheerfully.

Tor was unsure if his friend was correct, but at least it gave him hope, so the two friends returned to Tor’s for Lutefisk and dumpling dinner.

The following morning, Tor was up early, and after a quick breakfast, he headed back across the bridge to town in hopes of fulfilling his desire to bring home his girl.

After begging and pleading, poor Tor returned home empty-handed. Lars stopped to check on his friend and saw Tor crying beside the fireplace. “Goodness, why the long face and tears, my friend? Has someone died?” asked Lars.

“Not yet, but if I can’t get her home tomorrow, I shall give up and leave Enköping to sail around the world and never return,” said Tor. Well, Lars felt awful and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Early next morning, Lars went to town and, after much yelling and fist waving, finally got the lady to come with him to Tor’s home. “Tor, come out here. There is someone here to see you,” hollered his friend.

Tor crawled out of bed and slipped on his shoes. Still half asleep, he opened the front door, and to his great surprise, his love Elsie stood on all fours, chewing hay Lars was feeding her.

“Now, there is no need to sail away to points unknown. Your lady is home and will not be running off anytime soon,” joked Lars, holding tightly to her lead.

“Thank you, my friend. Now I can start my life as a cheese maker as I had always hoped,” said Tor.

“Well, you know what they say: a friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Lars with a smile. Tor led Elsie to the barn, and then he and Lars finished the dumplings for breakfast.