There is quicksilver in the veins of their soil, but little or none in the veins of their bodies.
The reply had evidently caused the mother some anxiety, however, for she added hastily: "Has anything happened to my son ?" "No, but the Christiania postman gave him a letter, and--" "A letter from Drammen ?" repeated Dame Hansen, in a lower tone.
"I don't know about that," replied the youth.

"All I do know is, that Joel can't get home before to-morrow, and he sent me here to deliver the letter." "It is important then ?" "I should judge so." "Hand it here," said Dame Hansen, in a tone that betrayed keen anxiety.
"Here it is, clean and not wrinkled in the least.

But the letter is not for you." Dame Hansen seemed to breathe more freely.
"Then who is it for ?" she asked.
"For your daughter." "For me!" cried Hulda.

"It is a letter from Ole! I am sure it is--a letter that came by way of Christiania.

My brother did not want me to be kept waiting." Hulda had snatched the letter from the boy's hand, and now taking it to the table upon which her mother had deposited the candle, she examined the address.
"Yes, it is from him.