“And we will return the dead animals to you to-morrow,” said Larrson, “for we would not trust any one else to skin and prepare them. Is not that your wish, Christian?”
“Whatever pleases you is agreeable to me,” replied Christian.
“Not at all!” the major rejoined; “the bear we purchased from the danneman is the one you have just killed. It belongs to you, as the one he shot belongs to him, unless he is willing to sell it.”
“He killed them both,” said Christian; “I did nothing but finish his work; I have no right to anything.”
An animated discussion followed, in which the danneman vied with his guests in delicacy, and showed that he was as scrupulously honest as themselves. At last Christian was obliged to yield, and to accept the she-bear as his prize. The two cubs were purchased from the danneman at the price of one bear, and he was obliged to accept, as exclusively his own, the friend of Madame Bear. Matters being thus arranged, the major and his friends wanted to carry Christian away with them, but he declined.
“I have no wish to go to the baron’s hunt,” he said; “you yourselves told me that it is not at all interesting in comparison with this one, and, besides, I have no time. Remember that for two days more I am bound by contract to keep on with my present business. I will remain here and help the danneman carry away the wicked ones, after which I will avail myself of his sleigh, to return as far as the lake. Do not forget that you have promised M. Goefle and myself to come and see us at Stollborg.”
“We will go after supper, when the comedy is over,” replied the major; “you can rely upon us.”
“And I,” said the danneman to Christian, “will guarantee that you shall reach the lake before night.”
They had not much time to lose. The officers returned to their country sleighs, and the danneman, assisted by Christian, and also by his son Olof, and his eldest daughter, who now joined them, proceeded, with great skill and quickness, to the building of his hand-sledge. When completed, and loaded with the game, they slid it along without difficulty, some drawing, and the others pushing or holding it back, until they reached the chalet.
As soon as they arrived, Christian looked for the seeress. The curtain of the bed was drawn and motionless. Was she still there? He longed to see this mysterious woman again, and to try and talk to her, but he dared not approach her bed. He imagined that the danneman kept his eye upon him, and that he would have been greatly displeased by any appearance of curiosity.