Feats on the Fiord | Page 9

looked in consternation at their host. If such
language as M. Kollsen's were allowed, they looked for nothing less
than to have their way beset by offended spirits; so that Erlingsen might
hear in the morning of some being frozen, some being lost in the fiord,
and others tumbled from precipices. M. Erlingsen made haste to speak.
He did not use any scruples with the young clergyman. He told him that
every one present would be happy at all times to hear him speak on the
matters belonging to his office. He had discharged his office in the
morning, in betrothing Rolf and Erica he was now resting from his
business as a guest at that table; and he would, of course, allow that the
direction of the festivity rested with the host and hostess, whose desire
it was that everything should be done which was agreeable to the
feelings and habits of the greater number of the guests.
It was settled in a moment that Nipen should have his cake; which so
shocked and annoyed M. Kollsen that he declared he would not remain

to sanction anything so impious, and requested that his boatmen might
be called from their suppers, and desired to have his boat ready
immediately. No entreaties would soften him: go he would.
It appeared, however, that he could not go. Not a man would row him,
after what he had just said of Nipen. All were sure that a gust would
blow the boat over, the minute she was out of reach of land; or that a
rock would spring up in deep water, where no rock was before; or that
some strong hand would grasp the boat from below, and draw it down
under the waters. A shudder went round as these things were
prophesied, and, of course, M. Kollsen's return home that night was out
of the question, unless he would row himself. At first, he declared he
should do this; but he was so earnestly entreated to attempt nothing so
rash, that he yielded the point, with a supercilious air which perhaps
concealed more satisfaction than he chose to avow to himself. He
insisted on retiring immediately, however, and was shown to his
chamber at once by Erlingsen himself, who found, on his return, that
the company were the better for the pastor's absence, though unable to
recover the mirth which he had put to flight. Erica had been shedding a
few tears, in spite of strong efforts to restrain them. Here was a bad
omen already,--on the very day of her betrothment; and she saw that
Hund thought so; for there was a gloomy satisfaction in his eye, as he
sat silently watching all that passed.
She could not help being glad that Oddo renewed his request to be
allowed to carry out Nipen's cake and ale. She eagerly put the ale-can
into his hand, and the cake under his arm; and Oddo was going out,
when his blind grandfather, hearing that he was to be the messenger,
observed that he should be better pleased if it were somebody else; for
Oddo, though a good boy, was inquisitive, and apt to get into mischief
by looking too closely into everything,--having never a thought of fear.
Everybody knew this to be true, though Oddo himself declared that he
was as frightened as anybody sometimes. Moreover, he asked what
there was to pry into, on the present occasion, in the middle of the night,
and appealed to the company whether Nipen was not best pleased to be
served by the youngest of a party. This was allowed, and he was
permitted to go, when Peder's consent was obtained, his mistress going

to the door with him, and seeing him off, putting him in mind that the
dancing could not begin again till he returned to take up his clarionet.
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Note 1. The rite of confirmation is thought much more of in Norway
than with us. The preparation for it is longer and more strict; and the
destiny of young people for life depends much on how they pass
through it. A person who has not been confirmed is looked upon as one
without a character and without knowledge; while those who pass well
stand high in credit; and if they have to earn their living, are sure of
good situations.--In the newspapers in Norway you may see among the
advertisements, "A confirmed shop-boy wants a place." "Wanted a
confirmed girl, who can cook;" which means that their having been
confirmed proves that they are considered respectable, and not deficient
in capacity or knowledge.
Note 2. A hundred years ago Nordland was included in the diocese of
Tronyem.
CHAPTER TWO.
ODDO'S WALK.
The place where Nipen liked to find his offerings was at the end