Here, taller than all the rest, the Haugians recognized their own Hans Nilsen Fennefos.
He was speaking to the people. The tempest drowned his words, but they knew his power over the wills of men; and whilst they all, both men and women, pressed to the windows, they thanked God for this succour, and congratulated one another, as if their lives had hung on a thread.
Sarah remained alone in the sick room. She was absorbed with the idea that she would see Fennefos again. She was terrified; she almost trembled, and thought she would be unable to bear it.
Worse gazed at her, but finding no consolation in her distracted looks, he shut his eyes, and seemed as if dozing.
Fennefos, entering by the street door, was received in the unlighted passage by many friendly hands and affectionate greetings.
The first thing he said was: "Why do you sit here in the dark; are you afraid of the light?"
After the whispering which had hitherto prevailed, it sounded as if he spoke in a loud voice.
Two women went for lights, and the blinds were drawn down.
"You have come just at the right moment, Hans Nilsen," said Sivert Jespersen, clapping him on the shoulder.
"How pleasant are the feet of those who bring glad tidings!" said Nicolai Egelend.