Consequently, though he was by no means popular in the eastern part of Scandinavia, he was adored in the western part of it, even in the most remote hamlets.  His name was a household word throughout Norway from the dunes of Christiansand to the bleak rocks of the North Cape, and so worthy was he of this universal respect that no breath of calumny had ever sullied the reputation of either the deputy or the professor.  But though he was a Norwegian to the core he was a hot-blooded man, with none of the traditional coldness and apathy of his compatriots; but much more prompt and resolute in his thoughts and acts than most Scandinavians, as was proved by the quickness of his movements, the ardor of his words, and the vivacity of his gestures.  Had he been born in France, one would have unhesitatingly pronounced him a Southerner.

Sylvius Hogg’s fortune had never exceeded a fair competence, for he had not entered into politics for the purpose of making money.  Naturally unselfish, he never thought of himself, but continually of others; nor was he tormented by a thirst for fame.  To be a deputy was enough for him; he craved no further advancement.

Just at this time Sylvius Hogg was taking advantage of a three months’ vacation to recuperate after a year of severe legislative toil.  He had left Christiania six weeks before, with the intention of traveling through the country about Drontheim, the Hardanger, the Telemark, and the districts of Kongsberg and Drammen.  He had long been anxious to visit these provinces of which he knew nothing; and his trip was consequently one of improvement and of pleasure.  He had already explored a part of the region, and it was on his return from the northern districts that the idea of visiting the famous falls of the Rjukan—­one of the wonders of the Telemark—­first occurred to him.  So, after surveying the route of the new railroad—­which as yet existed only on paper—­between the towns of Drontheim and Christiania, he sent for a guide to conduct him to Dal.  He was to meet this guide on the left bank of the Maan; but lured on by the beauties of the Maristien, he ventured upon the dangerous pass without waiting for his guide.  An unusual want of prudence in a man like him and one that nearly cost him his life, for had it not been for the timely assistance rendered by Joel and Hulda Hansen, the journey would have ended with the traveler himself in the grim depths of the Rjukanfos.

CHAPTER X.

The people of Scandinavia are very intelligent, not only the inhabitants of the cities, but of the most remote rural districts.  Their education goes far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic.  The peasant learns with avidity.  His mental faculties are ever on the alert.  He takes a deep interest in the public welfare and no mean part in all political and local affairs.  More than half of the Storthing is made up of members of this rank in life.  Not unfrequently they attend its sessions clad in the costume of their particular province; but they are justly noted for their remarkable good sense, acute reasoning powers, their clear though rather slow understanding, and above all, for their incorruptibility.