It is certainly from him! Heaven grant that he writes to announce the speedy return of the 'Viking'!" "Won't you come in ?" said Dame Hansen, turning to the boy.
"Only for a minute.

I must get back home to-night, for I am to go with a kariol to-morrow morning." "Very well.

Tell Joel, from me, that I expect to go to Moel to-morrow, and that he must wait for me there." "To-morrow evening ?" "No; to-morrow morning, and he must not leave Moel until he sees me.
We will return to Dal together." "Very well, Dame Hansen." "Won't you take a drop of _brandevin_ ?" "With pleasure." The boy approached the table, and Dame Hansen handed him a glass of the beverage which is such a powerful protection against the evening fogs.

It is needless to say that he drained the glass, then, "_God-aften!_" he said.
"_God-aften_, my son!" This is the Norwegian good-night.

It was simply spoken, without even an inclination of the head, and the lad instantly departed, without seeming to mind in the least the long walk that he had before him.