(OLAF SKAKTAVL comes in with his right hand wrapped in a cloth).

LADY INGER. Alas Olaf Skaktavl, you too----!

OLAF SKAKTAVL. It was impossible to break through.

LADY INGER. You are wounded, I see!

OLAF SKAKTAVL. A finger the less; that is all.

NILS STENSSON. Where are the Swedes?

OLAF SKAKTAVL. At our heels. They are breaking open the gate----

NILS STENSSON. Oh, Jesus! No, no! I _cannot_--I _will_ not
die.

OLAF SKAKTAVL. A hiding-place, Lady Inger! Is there no corner
where we can hide him?

LADY INGER. But if they search the castle----?

NILS STENSSON. Ay, ay; they will find me! And then to be
dragged to prison, or strung up----! Oh no, Inger Gyldenlove,--
I know full well,--you will never suffer that to be!

OLAF SKAKTAVL (listening). There burst the lock.

LADY INGER (at the window). Many men rush in at the gateway.

NILS STENSSON. And to lose my life _now!_ Now, when my true
life was but beginning! Now, when I have so lately learnt that
I have aught to live for. No, no, no!--Think not I am a coward.
Might I but have time to show----

LADY INGER. I hear them now in the hall below.
(Firmly to OLAF SKAKTAVL.)
He _must_ be saved--cost what it will!

NILS STENSSON (seizes her hand). Oh, I knew it;--you are noble
and good!

OLAF SKAKTAVL. But how? Since we cannot hide him----

NILS STENSSON. Ah, I have it! I have it! The secret----!

LADY INGER. The secret?

NILS STENSSON. Even so; yours and mine!

LADY INGER. Christ in Heaven--you know it?

NILS STENSSON. From first to last. And now when 'tis life or
death---- Where is Nils Lykke?

LADY INGER. Fled.

NILS STENSSON. Fled? Then God help me; for he only can unseal
my lips.--But what is a promise against a life! When the Swedish
captain comes----

LADY INGER. What then? What will you do?

NILS STENSSON. Purchase life and freedom;--tell him all.

LADY INGER. Oh no, no;--be merciful!

NILS STENSSON. Nought else can save me. When I have told him
what I know----

LADY INGER (looks at him with suppressed excitement). You will
be safe?

NILS STENSSON. Ay, safe! Nils Lykke will speak for me. You
see, 'tis the last resource.

LADY INGER (composedly, with emphasis). The last resource?
Right, right--the last resource stands open to all. (Points to
the left.) See, meanwhile you can hide in there.

NILS STENSSON (softly