had been hot just
before, there he stood shivering, as if it was winter, as he stood in
the broiling sun. Then I asked him if he had seen dead men swim and
stare, as he said he had heard them moan and cry."

"And what did he say then?"

"He started bolt upright, as if I had been picking his pocket. He was
in a passion for a minute, I know, if ever he was in his life. Then he
tried to laugh as he said what a lot of new stories--stories of spirits,
such stories as people love--he should have to carry home to the north,
whenever he went back to his own place."

"In the north,--his own place in the north! He wanted to mislead you
there, boy. Hund was born some way to the south."

"No, was he really? How is one to believe a word he says, except when
he speaks as if he was in his asleep,--straight out from his conscience,
I suppose? He began to talk about the bishop next, wanting to know when
I thought he would come, and whether he was apt to hold private talk
with every sort of person at the houses he stayed at."

"How did you answer him? You know nothing about the bishop's visits."

"So I told him: but, to try him, I said I knew one thing,--that a
quantity of fresh fish would be wanted when the bishop comes with his
train; and I asked him whether he would go fishing with me, as soon as
we should hear that the bishop was drawing near."

"He would not agree to that, I fancy."

"He asked how far out I thought of going. Of course I said to Vogel
islet,--at least as far as Vogel islet. Do you know, grandfather, I
thought he would have knocked me down at the word. He muttered
something, I could not hear what, to get off. By that time we were
laying the last trough. I asked him to go for some more, and the minute
he was out of sight I scampered here. Now, what sort of a mind do you
think this fellow has?"

"Not an easy one, it is plain. It is too clear also that he thinks Rolf
is drowned."

"But do you think so, grandfather?"

"Do you think so, grandson?"

"Not a bit of it. Depend upon it, Rolf is all alive, if he is swimming
and staring, and throwing his arms about in the water. I think I see
him now. And I will see him, if he is to be seen, alive or dead."

"And pray, how?"

"I ought to have said if you will help me. You say, sometimes,
grandfather, that you can pull a good stroke with the oar still: and I
can steer as well as our master himself: and the fiord never was stiller
than it is to