“Let it remain so, or I will show you that the steel which I bear about me is as sterling as my gold. Where do you think Hans of Iceland is?”
“Why, as the southern part of the province of Throndhjem is full of troops sent thither on some errand of the lord chancellor, Hans must have gone in the direction of Walderhog cave, or toward Lake Miösen. Our road lies through Skongen.”
“When can you start?”
“At the close of the day now dawning, when night falls and the Spladgest is closed, your poor servant will begin his duties as your guide, for which he must deprive the dead of his care. We will try to hide the mutilation of the miner from the eyes of the people for this one day.”
“Where shall I meet you to-night?”
“In the market-place, if it please my master, near the statue of Justice, which was formerly Freya, and which will doubtless protect me with her shadow, in gratitude for the fine devil which I had carved at her feet.”
Spiagudry would probably have repeated the terms of his petition to the governor, had not Ordener interrupted him.
“Enough, old man; it is a bargain.”
“A bargain,” repeated the keeper.
He had scarcely uttered these words, when a low growl was heard above their heads. The keeper shuddered.