“But did you ever see any of these people?” said I, resolved on probing Solomon with a home question.
“No, I’ve never seen them, but I have heard them, as sure as I sit on this stone.”
“Indeed, and how was that?”
“Well, you must know, I was up in the Fjeld to the eastward at a fiskevatn (lake with fish in). Suddenly I heard a noise close by me, just behind some rocks, and I thought it was other folks come up to fish. They were talking very loudly and merrily; so I called out to let them know I was there, as I wished to have selskab (company). Directly I called, it was all still. This puzzled me; so I went round the rocks, but not a creature could I see, so I returned to my fishing. Presently the noise began again, and I distinctly heard folks talking.”
“And what sort of talk was it?”
“Oh! baade fiint o gruft (both fine and coarse, i.e., good and bad words), accuratè som paa en bryllup (just like at a wedding). I called out again, on which the noise suddenly stopped. Presently they began afresh, and I could make out it was folks dancing. Then I felt convinced that it must be a thuss[16]-bryllup (elf-wedding).”
“Had you slept well the night before?”
“Never better.”