“I don’t deny that Hellgum has done wonders,” he modified.  “The way in which he manages to hold his people together, and the way he can get those who formerly would have nothing to do with each other to live on friendly terms, is certainly remarkable.  And look how he takes from the rich to give to the poor, and how he makes each person protect the other’s welfare.  I’m only sorry for those on the outside, who are called children of the devil and are not allowed in the game.  But, of course, you don’t feel that way.”

Ingmar was thoroughly put out with the old man for speaking so disparagingly of Hellgum.

“There used to be such peace and harmony in this parish!” the old man rattled on.  “But that’s all past and gone.  In Big Ingmar’s time we lived in such unity that we had the name of being the friendliest people in all Dalecarlia.  Now there are angels bucking against devils, and sheep against goats.”

“If we could only get the saws going,” thought Ingmar, “I wouldn’t have to hear any more of this talk!”

“It won’t be long either till it’s all over between you and me,” Strong Ingmar continued.  “For if you join Hellgum’s angels it isn’t likely that they will let you associate with me.”

With an oath Ingmar jumped to his feet.  “If you go on talking in this strain it may turn out just as you say,” he warned.  “You may as well understand, once for all, that it is of no use your trying to turn me against my own people, or against Hellgum, who is the grandest man I know.”

That silenced the old man.  In a little while he left his work, saying that he was going down to the village to see his friend Corporal Felt.  He had not talked with a sensible person for a long time, he declared.

Ingmar was glad to have him go.  Naturally, when a person has been away from home for a long time he does not care to be told unpleasant things, but wants every one around him to be bright and cheerful.

At five the next morning Ingmar got down to the mill, but Strong Ingmar was there ahead of him.

“To-day you can see Hellgum,” the old man began.  “He and Anna Lisa got back late last night.  I think they must have hurried home from their round of feasts in order to convert you.”

“So you’re at it again!” scowled Ingmar.  The old man’s words had been ringing in his ears all night, and he could not help wondering who was in the right.  But now he did not want to listen to any more talk against his relatives.  The old man held his peace for a time; presently he began to chuckle.

“What are you laughing at?” Ingmar demanded, his hand on the sluice gate ready to set the sawmill going.

“I was just thinking of the schoolmaster’s Gertrude.”

“What about her?”

“They said down at the village yesterday that she was the only person who had any influence over Hellgum—­”

“What’s Gertrude got to do with Hellgum?”