may depend on you in all things?

FINN. The commandant in Trondhiem has ever given me a name for
trustiness.

NILS LYKKE. It is well; he has said as much to me. First
of all, then--has there come any stranger to Ostrat to-night,
before us?

FINN. Ay; a stranger came an hour since.

NILS LYKKE (softly, to JENS BIELKE). He is here. (Turns again
to FINN.) Would you know him again? Have you seen him?

FINN. Nay, none have seen him, that I know, but the gatekeeper.
He was brought at once to Lady Inger, and she----

NILS LYKKE. Well? What of her? He is not gone again already?

FINN. No; but it seems she keeps him hidden in one of her own
rooms; for----

NILS LYKKE. It is well.

JENS BIELKE (whispers). Then the first thing is to put a guard
on the gate; then we are sure of him.

NILS LYKKE (with a smile). Hm! (To FINN.) Tell me--is there
any way of leaving the castle but by the gate? Gape not at me so!
I mean--can one escape from Ostrat unseen, while the castle gate
is shut?

FINN. Nay, that I know not. 'Tis true they talk of secret ways
in the vaults beneath; but no one knows them save Lady Inger--and
mayhap Mistress Elina.

JENS BIELKE. The devil!

NILS LYKKE. It is well. You may go.

FINN. And should you need me in aught again, you have but to
open the second door on the right in the Banquet Hall, and I shall
presently be at hand.

NILS LYKKE. Good. (Points to the entrance-door. FINN goes out.)

JENS BIELKE. Now, by my soul, dear friend and brother--this
campaign is like to end but scurvily for both of us.

NILS LYKKE (with a smile). Oh--not for me, I hope.

JENS BIELKE. Not? First of all, there is small honour to be
got in hunting an overgrown whelp like this Nils Sture. Are we
to think him mad or in his sober senses after the pranks he has
played? First he breeds bad blood among the peasants; promises
them help and all their hearts can desire;--and then, when it
comes to the pinch, off he runs to hide behind a petticoat!
Moreover, to tell the truth, I repent that I followed your
counsel and went not my own way.

NILS LYKKE (aside). Your repentance comes somewhat late, my
brother.

JENS BIELKE. Look you, I have never loved digging at a badger's
earth. I look for quite other sport. Here have I ridden all the
way from the Jaemteland with my horsemen, and have got me a warrant
from the Trondhiem commandant to search fo