“Most assuredly not.”

“Or better people?”

“There are none in the world,” responded the young travelers merrily.

Then they would all drink to the health of Hulda and Joel, who were so well known throughout the Telemark.

And then the professor would tell them all about his adventure, frankly admitting his unpardonable imprudence, and telling how his life had been saved, and how grateful he felt to his preservers.

“And I shall remain here until I have paid my debt,” he would add.  “My course of lectures on legislation will not be resumed for a long time, I fear, and you can enjoy an extended holiday.”

“Good! good!  Mister Sylvius,” cried the light-hearted band.  “Oh, you can’t fool us!  It is pretty Hulda that keeps you here at Dal.”

“A sweet girl she is, my friends, and as pretty as a picture, besides; and by Saint Olaf!  I’m only sixty.”

“Here’s to the health of Mister Sylvius!”

“And to yours, my dear boys.  Roam about the country, gather wisdom, and yet be merry.  Life is all sunshine at your age.  But keep away from the Maristien.  Joel and Hulda may not be on hand to rescue such of you as are imprudent enough to venture there.”

Then they would resume their journey, making the whole valley ring with their joyful God-aften.

Once or twice Joel was obliged to act as guide to some tourists who wished to make the ascent of Gousta.  Sylvius Hogg was anxious to accompany them.  He declared that he was all right again.  In fact, the wound on his leg was nearly healed; but Hulda positively forbade him to undertake a trip which would certainly prove too fatiguing for him, and Hulda’s word was law.

A wonderful mountain, though, is this Gousta, whose lofty summit traversed by deep snow-covered ravines, rises out of a forest of pines that form a thick green ruff about its snowy throat!  And what a superb view one enjoys from its summit.  To the east lies the bailiwick of Numedal; On the west, the Hardanger and its magnificent glaciers; down at the base of the mountain, the winding valley of Vesfjorddal between Lakes Tinn and Mjos, Dal, and its miniature houses, and the bright waters of the Maan leaping and dancing merrily along through the verdant meadows to the music of its own voice.

To make the ascent Joel was obliged to leave Dal at five o’clock in the morning.  He usually returned about six o’clock in the evening, and Sylvius Hogg and Hulda always went to meet him.  As soon as the primitive ferry-boat landed the tourists and their guide a cordial greeting ensued, and the three spent yet another pleasant evening together.  The professor still limped a little, but he did not complain.  Indeed, one might almost have fancied that he was in no haste to be cured, or rather to leave Dame Hansen’s hospitable roof.