Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - Chapter II. The Courier.
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to retain the gentleman any longer. He ventured, however, to
suggest that all other skjut horses were on the road, and aside
from this one, none other could be obtained.
"Foolish excuse,»" replied the officer, impatiently. "Give me
one of your own horses."
"Yes, I should like to do so, sir; but there are none of them
at home. Swen, here, the wagon-master, knows that they are
all out on the skjut – the large, and the small black horse – and
the cream, poor fellow, bas #rod a s#one into iris hoof, so that he
cannot more."
"What do I care for your horses, great and small, or cream –
whether the animals are able to walk or run. D–n it, peasant
lout! off! get me another horse, in a moment, or –" With
these words the officer uplifted his sword, and made a movenment
as if to make the landlord’s back acquainted with its fiat
scabbard.
"The Lord’s best blessings upon your grace!" exclaimed the
frightened landlord, "if your grace should kill me, I am unable
to get another horse within an hour and a half. But I assure
you, by everything that is holy, that Christopher’s pony is certain
to take you to Stabbelshede."
"Well, it must be done upon your responsibility. If anything
happens, you will have to answer for it," replied the officer,
threateningly, and sprang into the cart. "Stop! Halloo!
What’s the name of this nest? Uggleborg, or –"
"Swarteborg, your grace."
"Swarteborg? a well-chosen name. How far is it to the next
station?"
"Only five quarter miles," replied the landlord, bowing deeply,
visibly pleased that the storm had passed over.
"But if the scarecrow does not go fast enough, and I be
detained beyond my appointment, thou mayst depend upon it,
that I will remember thee. And now drive on, rascal, and do not
spare the whip, if thou thyself want to be spared." The last
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