"Did you say to-morrow?" said Christian Christiansson, rising suddenly.
"To-morrow at nine in the morning, sir."
Christian Christiansson resumed his seat and sat for some moments nibbling the top of the pen. Then he said:
"Mr. Palsson, I have been many years abroad, but I seem to remember that when landed property has to be sold by the law in Iceland three auctions are necessary--two at the office of the Sheriff, and the third on the estate itself."
"That is so, sir, but unfortunately this is the third--the two others have taken place already."
"So the Inn-farm must go to the hammer in any case?"
"It must go to the hammer in any case."
"You think there is no help for it?"
"I am sure, sir--I say I am sure there is no help for it."
"Ah, well--if it must be, it must be," said Christian Christiansson, and then, as by an after-thought, dipping the pen in the ink, "The interest is eight thousand crowns, you say?"