Did it only depend upon a strip of an old churchyard, thought Lars, whether the parish should have this great blessing or not?—­ then he would use his name and energy for the removal of the obstacle.  So immediately he made a visit to minister and bishop, from them to county legislature and Department of the Interior; he reasoned and negotiated; for he had possessed himself of all possible information concerning the vast profits that would accrue on the one side, and the feelings of the parish on the other, and had really succeeded in gaining over all parties.  It was promised him that by the reinterment of some bodies in the new churchyard, the only objection to this line might be considered as removed, and the king’s approbation guaranteed.  It was told him that he need only make the motion in the county meeting.

The parish had become as excited on the question as himself.  The spirit of speculation, which had been prevalent so many years, now became jubilant.  No one spoke or thought of anything but Lars’ journey and its probable result.  Consequently, when he returned with the most splendid promises, they made much ado about him; songs were sung to his praise,—­yes, if at that time one after another of the largest farms had toppled over, not a soul would have given it any attention; the former speculation fever had been succeeded by the new one of the railroad.

The county board met; an humble petition that the old churchyard might be used for the railroad was drawn up to be presented to the king.  This was unanimously voted; yes, there was even talk of voting thanks to Lars, and a gift of a coffee-pot, in the model of a locomotive.  But finally, it was thought best to wait until everything was accomplished.  The petition from the parish to the county board was sent back, with a requirement of a list of the names of all bodies which must necessarily be removed.  The minister made out this, but instead of sending it directly to the county board, had his reasons for communicating it first to the parish.  One of the members brought it to the next meeting.  Here, Lars opened the envelope, and as chairman read the names.

Now it happened that the first body to be removed was that of Lars’ own grandfather.  A Hide shudder passed through the assembly; Lars himself was taken by surprise; but continued.  Secondly, came the name of Canute Aakre’s grandfather; for the two had died at nearly the same time.  Canute Aakre sprang from his seat; Lars stopped; all looked up with dread; for the name of the elder Canute Aakre had been the one most beloved in the parish for generations.  There was a pause of some minutes.  At last Lars hemmed, and continued.  But the matter became worse, for the further he proceeded, the nearer it approached their own day, and the dearer the dead became.  When he ceased, Canute Aakre asked quietly if others did not think as he, that spirits were around them.  It had begun to grow dusk in the room, and although they were mature men sitting in company, they almost felt themselves frightened.  Lars took a bundle of matches from his pocket and lit a candle, somewhat dryly remarking that this was no more than they had known beforehand.