Chance plays a significant role in the unfolding of the night's events. Had Mr. Rosen not tripped, he probably would not have dropped the packet. If Mrs. Johansen had not hurt her ankle, she could have taken the packet to Henrik. If Mrs. Johansen had not hurt her ankle and had come home while it was still dark, it is unlikely that they would have noticed the packet lying on the ground. Chance influences all these things, and points to the fact that it is matter of chance whether or not Henrik will make is safely to Sweden. As Mrs. Johansen says, it might have all been for nothing. This underlines how delicate the situation is. All has gone well, but they are all still a long way from safety.