Here Herr Lönnrot sighed, and dropping his head upon his breast seemed lost in thought. Presently a fit of coughing seized him; and then he continued:
“Dost think, little one, that thy father knows aught of this rune?”
Elsa thought very hard trying to recall the rune; she was obliged to answer:
“Nay, sir; in truth he hath taught me many runes about Wainamoinen and the others, but I know not how the harp was born. But,” she added, “my father will be home at supper-time; he is helping thatch neighbor Friedvic’s new barn, and perhaps he can tell thee!”
“Perhaps,” said Herr Lönnrot. “Thy neighbor Jan told me he thought thy father knew something of this rune I seek.”
Even as they talked, a whistle sounded without, and Elsa clapped her hands joyously.
“There is my father now!” and bounding to the door she flung it wide open. As the peasant Sveaborg stepped within, seeing Herr Lönnrot, he took off his cap and greeted him kindly, for strangers were always welcome at the Sveaborg farm.
When the Herr told him why he was journeying through the country, and of the lost rune he was seeking, Elsa’s father grew much interested.