"Yes, think of the subject and try to get a suitable person, who will not fleece the people nor wrong the church. Think of it awhile. Now to another subject: I think I have observed that morality stands somewhat low here on the skerry. Has Mr. Olsson seen or suspected, that matters are not as they ought to be down at Vestman's?"
"Hm! Yes, they say, of course, that there is something, but that one does not know! And I do not believe that one need to mix in it!"
"Do you say that! But I wonder, if one ought not to interfere in time, before they betray themselves, for such things generally end ill out here!"
The preacher did not seem at all willing to stir in the case; either he did not find it worth talking about, or he would not offend the people. Besides, his sickly looks seemed to absorb all his thoughts in his own suffering, so that he with a thwart turn took up his real errand.
"Yes, and so I should like to ask if the commissioner had something to give me, for I think I have got the fever and ague out here in the dampness."
"Ague? Let me see!"
On the impulse of the moment and without forgetting for an instant, that it was a foe who challenged, the commissioner examined the patient's pulse, looked at his tongue and the whites of his eyes and was ready with his prescription.
"Have you poor board at Oman's?"
"Yes, it is wretched," answered the preacher.
"You have malnutrition and shall have food from my table. Have you sworn off all strong drinks?"