CHAPTER XI.

Off again--Shakspeare and Scandinavian literature--A fat peasant’s better half--A story about Michaelmas geese--Explanation of an old Norwegian almanack--A quest after the Fremmad man--A glimpse of death--Gunvar’s snuff-box--More nursery rhymes--A riddle of a silver ring--New discoveries of old parsimony--The Spirit of the Woods--Falcons at home--The etiquette of tobacco-chewing--Lullabies--A frank invitation--The outlaw pretty near the mark--Bjaräen--A valuable hint to travellers--Domestic etcetera--Early morning--Social magpies--An augury--An eagle’s eyrie--Meg Merrilies--Wanted an hydraulic press--A grumble at paving commissioners--A disappointment--An unpropitious station-master--Author keeps house in the wilderness--Practical theology--Story of a fox and a bear--Bridal-stones--The Vatnedal lake--Waiting for the ferry--An unmistakeable hint--A dilemma--New illustration of the wooden nutmeg truth--“Polly put the kettle on”--A friendly remark to Mr. Caxton--The real fountain of youth--Insectivora--The maiden’s lament pp. 200-237