d, and----"

"Let that pass, for the present," answered the burgomaster. "It is
about these fellows I want to question you. Have they engaged rooms
here?"

"They want rooms, sir, and we have two that----"

"You must not take them in!" roared the burgomaster of Masolga. "I
forbid it."

"Forbid?" gasped the astonished landlord.

"Yes, forbid. They are nothing but English cattle. I met them on the
train. They insulted me grossly. They must go elsewhere for
accommodations."

"Have you two vacant rooms?" demanded Granbury Lapham, coming to the
front.

"Yes, but--but----"

"We'll take them," answered the Englishman, quickly. He felt certain no
other accommodations could be had in the village.

"Thank you, sir, but----"

"He cannot have the rooms--I will take them myself!" howled the
burgomaster.

"I have already taken them," answered the Englishman, quietly. "I will
pay in advance for them, if necessary," and he pulled out his purse.

"It shall not be!" stormed the burgomaster of Masolga. "I forbid it! I
will pay for the rooms, if needs be. Those English cattle shall not
sleep under the same roof with me and my family."

CHAPTER XXV

TO THE NORTHWARD ONCE MORE

"What's the trouble about?" asked Dave, coming forward.

"That brute doesn't want us to stay here," explained Granbury Lapham.
"He forbids the landlord renting us rooms."

"Are there any rooms vacant?" questioned Roger.

"Two."

"We'll take them!" cried Dave. "He can't stop us."

"I've already said I'd take them. But the burgomaster won't listen to
it."

"The landlord has got to let us have the rooms," said Dave. "If his
place is a public road-house we are entitled to accommodations, and at
the legal rate----"

"By Jove, you're right! How stupid of me to forget!" cried the
Englishman. He turned to the landlord. "I demand those rooms," he said,
in Norwegian. "That man shall not keep us out of your place. It is a
public house. I demand my rights."

[Illustration: "Out with the lot of them! I will take the rooms." _Page
229._]

"Yes! yes!" replied the landlord. "But, sir----"

"Ha! Do not listen to him, Voshof," said the burgomaster. "Who is more
important here, he or I? Out with the lot of them! I will take the
rooms, and if every apartment is occupied, why you cannot accommodate
them, can you?"

"Here is my money," said Granbury Lapham. He placed several silver
thalers on the table. "I believe you know the law. If you do not