(The Judge gives him a sharp look. He opens the letter and reads to himself, now and then raising his eyes from the letter to Kari's face.)
A Peasant (in a low voice). What does the judge say?
Bjørn. In the early spring, a man came here who knew him (pointing) as an escaped thief. I wrote to have the case looked up, and yesterday I got the answer.
The Judge. The description fits you. It is my duty under the law to take you into custody.
(Murmuring among the peasants.)
First Peasant. I never should have believed it.
Kari. It is the bailiff to whom this letter was sent. May I be allowed to ask where it came from?
Bjørn. From the southland where you were born.
Kari. I was born in the east and have never been south.
Bjørn. Will the judge look at the seal?