The Department requested information on quite a number of points—­there were tables for all sorts of things, no doubt.  The only thing that seemed reasonable was the question of timber.  Certainly, there was some heavy timber, and that within the limits of Isak’s proposed holding, but not enough to reckon with for sale; no more than would be required to keep up the place.  Even if there had been timber in plenty, who was to carry it all the many miles to where it could be sold?  Only Isak, trundling like a tub-wheel through the forest in winter-time carting some few heavy sticks down to the village, to bring back planks and boards for his building.

Geissler, the incomprehensible, had, it seemed, sent in a report which was not easily upset.  Here was his successor going through the whole thing again, trying to find mistakes and blatant inaccuracies—­but all in vain.  It was noticeable that he consulted his assistant at every turn, and paid heed to what he said, which was not Geissler’s way at all.  That same assistant, moreover, must presumably have altered his own opinion, since he was now a would-be purchaser himself of lands from the common ground held by the State.

“What about the price?” asked the Lensmand.

“Fifty Daler is the most they can fairly ask of any buyer,” answered the expert.

Lensmand Heyerdahl drew up his report in elegant phrasing.  Geissler had written:  “The man will also have to pay land tax every year; he cannot afford to pay more for the place than fifty Daler, in annual instalments over ten years.  The State can accept his offer, or take away his land and the fruits of his work.”  Heyerdahl wrote:  “He now humbly begs to submit this application to the Department:  that he be allowed to retain this land, upon which, albeit without right of possession, he has up to this present effected considerable improvements, for a purchase price of 50—­fifty—­Speciedaler, the amount to be paid in annual instalments as may seem fit to the Department to apportion the same.”

Lensmand Heyerdahl promised Isak to do his best.  “I hope to succeed in procuring you possession of the estate,” he said.

Chapter VI

The big bull is to be sent away.  It has grown to an enormous beast, and costs too much to feed; Isak is taking it down to the village, to bring up a suitable yearling in exchange.

It was Inger’s idea.  And Inger had no doubt her own reasons for getting Isak out of the place on that particular day.

“If you are going at all, you’d better go today,” she said.  “The bull’s in fine condition; ’twill fetch a good price at this time of year.  You take him down to the village, and they’ll send him to be sold in town—­townsfolk pay anything for their meat.”

“Ay,” says Isak.

“If only the beast doesn’t make trouble on the way down.”

Isak made no answer.