The Judge. The seal is correct. (To Halla.) He is in your service. Have you found this man to be a thief?
Halla. No. He has shown himself a trustworthy and an able man. (To the people.) Don't you believe, as I do, that Kari is innocent?
The Crowd (murmuring). Yes, yes!
The Judge. I cannot judge this case. I must send him to the district where Eyvind's home is. (To Halla.) Can you vouch for him a few days? At present I cannot well spare two men for the journey.
Halla. I am not afraid to do that.
Bjørn. It seems to me unwise to set a woman to watch a thief. If the judge wishes it, I will take him into safe-keeping myself.
Halla. Does the bailiff think he can give counsel to the judge? I offer my farm as surety for Kari.
The Judge (interrupting Bjørn, who is about to reply). Silence! (To Halla.) Then you are responsible. Exit.
Bjørn. I must say that the former judge was not wont to delay the law.
Halla (to the peasants). You came here to listen to false charges, but you shall have a better pastime. You shall see the bailiff himself play at glima with the man he calls thief.