asked the minister . ` We shall be there before dark . ' ` Who knows ? ' replied Hans . ` Many things may happen to delay our journey , and I need not remind you of our contract that the moment the sun sets I cease to be your servant . If we do n't reach the town while it is still daylight I shall leave you to shift for yourself . ' The minister thought he was joking , and made no further remark . But when they had left the village behind them , and had ridden a few miles , they found that snow had fallen during the night , and had been blown by the wind into drifts . This hindered their progress , and by the time they had entered the thick wood which lay between them and their destination the sun was already touching the tops of the trees . The horses ploughed their way slowly through the deep soft snow and as they went Hans kept turning to look at the sun , which lay at their backs . ` Is there anything behind you ? ' asked the minister . ` Or what is it you are always turning round for ? ' ' I turn round because I have no eyes in the back of my neck , ' said Hans . ` Cease talking nonsense , ' replied the minister , ` and give all your mind to getting us to the town before nightfall . ' Hans did not answer , but rode on steadily , though every now and then he cast a glance over his shoulder . When they arrived in the middle of the wood the sun sank altogether . Then Hans reined up his horse , took his knapsack , and jumped out of the sledge . ` What are you doing ? Are you mad ? '
asked the minister , but Hans answered quietly , ` The sun is set and my work is over , and I am going XXXXX camp here for the night . '
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