"First question--Is it true that Herr Rendalen has said that history cannot well be taught to people who believe that the world began as Paradise and its inhabitants as perfect beings?"
Breathless silence. Karl Vangen began a little hesitatingly: "Yes, that is true, but----"
"I beg your pardon, but I have the word," interrupted the Town Bailiff.
"No," observed one of the "husbands"; "Pastor Vangen undoubtedly has the word. It was he who was interrogated."
Hereon there was a great uproar; the real men were, Heaven be praised, in the majority; the "husbands" had by no means such strong throats.
"Second question--Is it true that Rendalen has said----"
"But dear me!" called out Niels Hansen; "is Rendalen to join the club to be confirmed?"
A roar of laughter followed. The whole room, without distinction of parties, gave way to immense merriment. The Town Bailiff paused. As soon as peace was restored he began again. "Second question--Is it true----" The laughter began again, worse than before. The Town Bailiff stopped abruptly, and left the room; Karl Vangen now began. His friend Rendalen was of the opinion that history lessons ought conscientiously to describe all movements just as they were, and therefore the development of Christianity as well; but to describe the life of mankind as a work of God's dispensation belongs to Church history.
"Is he not a Christian, then?" asked Bugge.
"We have nothing to do with that here," called out Niels Hansen.