could not hunt bears; and the weather was fair enough; but Hund
shook his head, and went on preparing the boat. His master spoke to
him, but Hund was not remarkable for giving up his own way. He would
only say that there would be plenty of time for both affairs, and that
he could follow the hunt when he returned, and across the lake he went.

Erlingsen and Rolf presently departed, accompanied by Olaf, who was glad
of an escort for a few miles, though nothing was further from his
intention than going near the bears. The women and Peder were thus left
behind.

They occupied themselves to keep away anxious thoughts. One began some
new nets, for the approaching fishing season; another sat in the loom,
and the girls appealed to their mother very frequently, about the
beauties of a new quilting pattern they were drawing. Old Peder sang to
them too; but Peder's songs were rather melancholy, and they had not the
effect of cheering the party. Hour after hour they looked for Hund.
His news of his voyage, and the sending him after his master, would be
something to do and to think of; but Hund did not come. Stiorna at last
let fall that she did not think he would come yet, for that he meant to
catch some cod before his return; he had taken tackle with him for that
purpose, she knew, and she should not wonder if he did not appear till
the morning.

Every one was surprised, and Madame Erlingsen highly displeased. At the
time when her husband would be wanting every strong arm that could be
mustered, his servant chose to be out fishing, instead of obeying
orders. The girls pronounced him a coward, and Peder observed that to a
coward, as well as a sluggard, there was ever a lion in the path. Erica
doubted whether this act of disobedience arose from cowardice, for there
were dangers in the fiord, for such as went out as far as the cod. She
supposed Hund had heard--

She stopped short, as a sudden flash of suspicion crossed her mind. She
had seen Hund inquiring of Olaf about the pirates, and his strange
obstinacy about this day's boating looked much as if he meant to learn
more.

"Danger in the fiord!" repeated Orga. "O, you mean the pirates; they
are far enough from our fiord, I suppose. If ever they do come, I wish
they would catch Hund, and carry him off. I am sure we could spare them
nothing they would be so welcome to."

Madame Erlingsen saw that Erica was turning red and white, and resolved
to ask, on the firs