tious promises, and raised troubles in the land.

NILS STENSSON. Ay, but 'twas only in jest!

NILS LYKKE. King Gustav will scarce look on the matter in that
light.

NILS STENSSON. Truly, there is something in what you say. To
think I could be such a madman---- ---- Well well, I'm not a
dead man yet! You will protect me; and besides--the men-at-arms
can scarce be at my heels.

NILS LYKKE. But what else have you to tell me?

NILS STENSSON. I? Nothing. When once I have given you the
packet----

NILS LYKKE (unguardedly). The packet?

NILS STENSSON. Ay, sure you know----

NILS LYKKE. Ah, right, right; the papers from Peter Kanzler----

NILS STENSSON. See, here they all are.

(Takes out a packet from inside his doublet, and hands it to
NILS LYKKE.)

NILS LYKKE (aside). Letters and papers for Olaf Skaktavl.
(To NILS STENSSON.)
The packet is open, I see. 'Tis like you know what it contains?

NILS STENSSON. No, good sir; I am ill at reading writing; and
for reason good.

NILS LYKKE. I understand; you have given most care to the trade
of arms.
(Sits down by the table on the right, and runs through the
papers.)
Aha! Here is light enough and to spare on what is brewing.
This small letter tied with a silken thread---- (Examines the
address.) This too for Olaf Skaktavl. (Opens the letter, and
glances through its contents.) From Peter Kanzler. I thought as
much. (Reads under his breath.) "I am hard bested, for----; ay,
sure enough; here it stands,--"Young Count Sture has been gathered
to his fathers, even at the time fixed for the revolt to break
forth"--"--but all may yet be made good----" What now? (Reads on
in astonishment.) "You must know, then, Olaf Skaktavl, that the
young man who brings you this letter is a son of----" Heaven and
earth--can it be so?--Ay, by Christ's blood, even so 'tis written!
(Glances at NILS STENSSON.) Can he be----? Ah, if it were so!
(Reads on.) "I have nurtured him since he was a year old; but up
to this day I have ever refused to give him back, trusting to have
in him a sure hostage for Inger Gyldenlove's faithfulness to us
and to our friends. Yet in that respect he has been of but little
service to us. You may marvel that I told you not this secret
when you were with me here of late; therefore will I confess freely
that I feared you might seize upon him, even as I had done. But
now, when you ha