nd fallings. But as he kept his
gaze fixed more and more firmly on this wonderful vein, a dazzling
light seemed to come shining through the shaft, and the walls of rock
grew transparent as crystal. That mysterious dream which he had had in
Goethaborg came back upon him. He was looking upon those Elysian Fields
of glorious metallic trees and plants, on which, by way of fruits,
buds, and blossoms, hung jewels streaming with fire. He saw the
maidens, and he looked upon the face of the mighty queen. She put out
her arms, drew him to her, and pressed him to her breast, Then a
burning ray darted through his heart, and all his consciousness was
merged in a feeling of floating in waves of some blue, transparent,
glittering mist.

"'Elis Froebom! Elis Froebom!' a powerful voice from above cried out,
and the reflection of torches began shining in the shaft. It was
Pehrson Dahlsjoe come down with the Captain to search for the lad, who
had been seen running in the direction of the main-shaft like a mad
creature.

"They found him standing as if turned to stone, with his face pressed
against the cold, hard rock.

"'What are you doing down here in the night-time, you foolish fellow?'
cried Pehrson. 'Pull yourself together, and come up with us. Who knows
what good news you may hear.'

"Elis went up in profound silence after Dahlsjoe, who did not cease to
rate him soundly for exposing himself to such danger. It was broad
daylight in the morning when they got to the house.

"Ulla threw herself into Elis's arms with a great cry, and called him
by the fondest names, and Pehrson said to him:

"'You foolish fellow! How could I help seeing, long ago, that you were
in love with Ulla, and that it was on her account, in all probability,
that you were working so hard in the mine? Neither could I help seeing
that she was just as fond of you. Could I wish for a better son-in-law
than a fine, hearty, hard-working, honest miner--than just yourself,
Elis? What vexed me was that you never would speak.'

"'We scarcely knew ourselves,' said Ulla, 'how fond we were of each
other.'

"'However that may be,' said Pehrson, 'I was annoyed that Elis didn't
tell me openly and candidly of his love for you, and that was why I
made up the story about Eric Olavsen, which was so nearly being the
death of you, you silly fellow. Not but what I wished to try you, Ulla,
into the bargain. Eric Olavsen has been married for many a day, and I
give my daughter to y