" Later in the day Brede Olsen came lounging in; he had brought some samples of rock he wanted Geissler to see.

" "And now I think we ought to drink a glass with Geissler," said the other.

That spring something unexpected happenedsomething of importance indeed; work at the mine was started again; Geissler had sold his land.

Oh, but Geissler was an unfathomable mind; he could make a bargain or refuse, shake his head for a "No," or nod the same for "Yes."

Possibly, again, Geissler himself had at last begun to feel the need of money, and had been forced to sell for what he could get.

Who would ever have thought it; work at the mine commenced again, true enoughbut at the other end of the fjeld, eight miles away, on the southern boundary of Geissler's holding, far off in another district altogether, a district with which they were in no way concerned.

Some blamed Geissler; 'twas Geissler, that devil of a man, who had tricked them once more.

Some blamed Geissler; 'twas Geissler, that devil of a man, who had tricked them once more.

Ay, I doubt it's as they say; 'tis that Geissler's at the bottom of it all, same as before.

" "Geissler, is he here, then?" "Is he not?

But Geissler he just stands there, and asks again: 'Ho, all right, is it?''Ay, as far as I know,' says the engineer.

But as true as I'm here, no sooner the post comes up from that same boat Geissler had come by, than there's letter and telegram both to the engineer that the work wasn't paying, and he's to shut down at once.

"Funny meeting you here," says Geissler.

Geissler hears, and calls back sharply: "No." "I'll come on after," calls Sivert, and sets down his load.

Geissler is in the right mood today; the spirit moves him, and he talks all the time, only pausing when Sivert puts in a word or so in answer, and then going on again.

" Geissler stops for a moment, and looks at Sivert.

" Geissler does not seem interested in the answer; has not even heard it, like as not.

" Suddenly Geissler seems to recollect himself, and asks: "Got up that hayloft yet, above the cowshed?" "Ay, that's done.

" "New house?" "'Tis in case any one should come, he saysin case Geissler he should happen to come along.

" Geissler thinks over this, and takes his decision: "Well, then, I'd better come.

Not be stern and strict and just with life, but be merciful to it, and take its part; only think of the gamblers life has to bear with!" Geissler recollects himself again, and says: "Well, all that's as it may be; leave it!"

" "Well, then, I'm a man that knows what's the right thing to do, but doesn't do it," says Geissler.

" Geissler is short of breath again; he gets on his feet, and says: "If you're going down, let's get along.

" They go on down together, Geissler dragging behind, all tired out.

Nay, you've no call to dance about that way; keep still and look like a picture!" Geissler is tired, tired out, even his smoked glasses do not help him now, his eyes keep closing in the glare.