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CHAPTER II.
THE COURIER.
As soon as Ivar had reached the court-yard, a cart came
rumbling in from the other side, and a harsh, commanding voice
was heard:
"Is the horse ready?"
An affirmative answer was given, and an officer, who seemed
to be a very young man, stepped forth from the cart, and
advanced to Ivar.
With a hearty curse he pointed to the horse, and said, "Is
that the pony which is to take me to the next station?"
"Yes, certainly, that is the one. He has often trod the way,"
answered Ivar, politely, lifting his cap.
"Keep your mouth shut, you lout !" the gentleman rudely
accosted him.
"Landlord! wagon-master! where are the rascals?"
"Here! here!" With these words, the landlord and the
wagon-master advanced hurriedly, but with the utmost timidity,
which is the natural consequence of daily ill-treatment, or even
whippings, which they were in the custom of receiving.
"Listen, fellow." With these words the officer folded his
arms over his breast, with an expression of high dignity, and,
like a judge who wishes to force a poor criminal into confession,
looked at the poor landlord: "How do you dare have such a
horse hitched on for my user. Dost thou not know that I might
have thrashed thee for this presumption, and hast thou never
heard what a severe punishment awaits the landlord by whose
negligence a courier, bearing important despatches, is hindered?"
The landlord’s sad face exhibited everything else than the wish
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