Writing Under a Lamp-Post

The narrator tries to write his article under a lamp-post, but a policeman disturbs him. He gives up and goes to bed. The next morning, he continues writing but makes little progress. He feels his mind failing. He bites his finger to stay awake. He decides to get a candle on credit from the provision shop. He goes to the shop, but the shop-boy mistakenly gives him change for a crown instead of a candle. The narrator takes the money, realizing he has stolen five shillings.