NILS LYKKE. Your exaltation?
NILS STENSSON. Ay; that which you foretold me, if King Gustav's men got me in their clutches——
(Makes a motion to indicate hanging.)
NILS LYKKE. True enough;—but let that trouble you no more. It now lies with yourself alone whether within a month you shall have the hempen noose or a chain of gold about your neck.
NILS STENSSON. A chain of gold? And it lies with me?
(NILS LYKKE nods.)
NILS STENSSON. Why then, the devil take musing! Do you tell me what I am to do.
NILS LYKKE. I will. But first you must swear me a solemn oath that no living creature in the wide world shall know what I am to tell you.
NILS STENSSON. Is that all? You shall have ten oaths if you will.
NILS LYKKE. Not so lightly, young Sir! It is no jesting matter.