onfirmed by M. Kollsen, who next appeared, musing as he rode, with a
countenance of extreme gravity. He would fain have denied that his
bishop was smiling upon Lapps who wore charms; but he could not. He
muttered that it was very extraordinary.

"Quite as much so," whispered Erica to Frolich, "as that the Holiest
should be found in the house of a publican."

"What is that?" inquired the vigilant M. Kollsen. "What was your
remark?"

Erica blushed deeply; but Frolich readily declared what it was that she
had said: and in return M. Kollsen remarked on the evil of ignorant
persons applying Scripture according to their own narrow notions.

"Two--four--eight horses," observed a herdsman. "I think the neighbours
should each take one or two; or here will soon be an end of Erlingsen's
new hay. This lot of pasture will never feed eight horses, besides his
own and the herd."

"Better than having them carried off by the pirates," said a neighbour.
"But I will run home and send a load of grass."

In such an amiable mood did the bishop find all who were awaiting him at
his place of refuge. On their part, they were persuaded that he
deserved all their love, even if he had some low notions about the
Lapps.

As the bishop's horse, followed by those which bore the ladies, reached
the house-door, all present cried, "Welcome to the mountain!"

"Welcome to Sulitelma!"

The bishop observed that, often as he had wished to look abroad from
Sulitelma, and to see with his own eyes what life at the seaters was
like, he should have grown old without the desire being gratified, but
for the design of the enemy upon him. It was all he could do to go the
rounds of his diocese, from station to station below, without thinking
of journeys of pleasure. Yet here he was on Sulitelma!

When he and M. Kollsen and the ladies had dismounted, and were entering
the house to breakfast, the gazers found leisure to observe the hindmost
of the train of riders. It was Hund, with his feet tied under his
horse, and the bridle held by a man on each side. He had seen and heard
too much of the preparations against the enemy to be allowed to remain
below, or at large anywhere, till the attack should be over. He could
not dismount till some one untied his legs; and no one would do that
till a safe place could be found, in which to confine him. It was an
awkward situation enough, sitting there bound before everybody's eyes;
and not the less for Sti