And the good man shook the hand of his hostess most cordially.
"Wouldn't you like my brother to fetch a doctor from Bamble?" inquired Hulda.
"A doctor! my little Hulda! Why! do you want me to lose the use of both my legs?"
"Oh, Mr. Sylvius!"
"A doctor! Why not send for my friend, the famous Doctor Bork, of Christiania? All this ado about a mere scratch, what nonsense!"
"But even a mere scratch may become a very serious thing if not properly attended to," remarked Joel.
"Well, Joel, will you tell me why you are so very anxious for this to become serious?"
"Indeed, I am not, sir; God forbid!"
"Oh, well, He will preserve you and me, and all Dame Hansen's household, especially if pretty little Hulda here will be kind enough to give me some attention."
"Certainly, Mr. Sylvius."