"A little while after in came the sheriff; he was true to time, but as for his man, he had gone another way round by an inn, and there he sat still drinking.
"'Good-day, sir,' he said.
"'Axehaft,' said the ferryman.
"'So, so," said the sheriff. 'How far off is it to the inn?'
"'Right up to this twig,' said the man, and pointed a little way up the piece of timber.
"The sheriff shook his head and stared at him open-mouthed.
"'Where is your mistress, pray?'
"'I am just going to tar her,' said the ferryman, 'for yonder she lies on the strand, split open at both ends.'
"'Where is your daughter?'
"'Oh, she stands in the stable, big with foal,' answered the man, who thought he answered very much to the purpose.