NILS STENSSON. True enough; but God knows what right I have to bear it. My father I never knew; my mother was a poor peasant- woman, that was robbed and murdered in one of the old feuds. Peter Kanzler chanced to be on the spot; he took me into his care, brought me up, and taught me the trade of arms. As you know, King Gustav has been hunting him this many a year; and I have followed him faithfully, wherever he went.
NILS LYKKE. Peter Kanzler has taught you more than the trade of arms, meseems—— —— Well, well; then you are not Nils Sture. But at least you come from Sweden. Peter Kanzler has sent you here to find a stranger, who——
NILS STENSSON (nods cunningly). ——Who is found already.
NILS LYKKE (somewhat uncertain). And whom you do not know?
NILS STENSSON. As little as you know me; for I swear to you by
God himself: I am not Count Sture!
NILS LYKKE. In sober earnest, Sir?
NILS STENSSON. As truly as I live! Wherefore should I deny it, if I were?
NILS LYKKE. Then where is Count Sture?
NILS STENSSON (in a low voice). Ay, that is just the secret.
NILS LYKKE (whispers). Which is known to you, is it not?