Sylvius Hogg reached Dal on the evening of the following day.

He did not say a word about his journey, and no one knew that he had been to Bergen.

As long as the search was productive of no results he wished the Hansen family to remain in ignorance of it.

Every letter or telegram, whether from Bergen or Christiania, was to be addressed to him, at the inn, where he intended to await further developments.
Did he still hope?
Yes, though it must be admitted that he had some misgivings.
As soon as he returned the professor became satisfied that some important event had occurred in his absence.

The altered manner of Joel and Hulda showed conclusively that an explanation must have taken place between their mother and themselves.