"Certainly it does; but of course the clergymen take care not to tell that." He said it in youthful exuberance, not in the least intending to hurt anyone's feelings, or to say more at all. But by chance Ole Tuft overheard him and said, with rather a superior air:
"Why should the clergymen not dare to tell the children that Samson means sun-god?"
"Why, for then the whole legend about him could no longer serve them as a type of the Christ-myth."
This last word was like a sharp stab, and it was meant as such. With a superior smile Ole said:
"I suppose Samson may be used as a type, whether he be called sun-god or not."
"Certainly, whether he be called sun-god or not, but suppose him to be sun-god?"
"Indeed, so he was sun-god?" shouted Ole, laughing.
"The name tells us so."
"The name? Are we bears or wolves because we are called after bears or wolves? Or gods because we are called after gods?"
Several of the party stood by listening; others joined them, Josephine among the number, and both turned at once to her.