It was indeed he. On reaching Arbar ruin, toward which we left him journeying with Musdœmon, he had been unwilling to intrust to any one else the task of securing the brigand, by whom he was far from supposing himself known and expected. Never, even after years had elapsed, did Count d’Ahlefeld, with all his power and all his diplomacy, discover how Hans of Iceland acquired his information. Was it through Musdœmon’s treachery? True, it was Musdœmon who suggested to the noble count that it would be well to see the brigand in person; but what profit could he derive from his perfidy? Had the bandit captured upon some one of his numerous victims, papers relating to the chancellor’s schemes? But Frederic d’Ahlefeld was, with the sole exception of Musdœmon, the only living being acquainted with his father’s plans, and frivolous as he was, he was not quite so senseless as to expose such a secret. Moreover, he was in garrison at Munkholm, at least so the chancellor supposed. Those who read the close of this scene, without being any better able to solve the problem than was Count d’Ahlefeld, will see how much truth there was in this latter hypothesis. One of Count d’Ahlefeld’s most marked characteristics was his great presence of mind. When he heard himself so abruptly named, he could not repress an exclamation of surprise; but in the twinkling of an eye, his pale, proud features lost their expression of fear and astonishment, and recovered their usual calm composure. “Well, yes,” said he, “I will be frank with you; I am indeed the chancellor. But I hope you will be equally frank with me.” A burst of laughter interrupted him. “Have I waited to be urged to tell you my name, or to tell you your own?” “Tell me with the same sincerity how you found me out?” “Have you never heard that Hans of Iceland can see through mountains?” The count tried to insist. “Consider me as a friend.” “Your hand, Count d’Ahlefeld,” said the little man, with brutal familiarity. Then he stared the minister in the face, exclaiming: “Could our two souls escape from our bodies at this moment, I fancy that Satan would hesitate to decide which of the two belonged to the monster.” The haughty noble bit his lip; but between his fear of the robber and his desire to secure him as his tool, he managed to disguise his resentment. “Do not imperil your own interests; accept the command of the rebellion, and trust to my gratitude.” “Chancellor of Norway, you count on the success of your schemes, like an old woman who dreams of the gown which she will spin from stolen hemp, while the cat’s claws tangle her spindle.” “Reflect once more, before you reject my offers.” “Once more, I, the brigand, say to you, Lord Chancellor of both kingdoms, No!” “I expected a different answer, after the eminent service which you have already rendered me.” “What service?” asked the robber. “Was it not you who murdered Captain Dispolsen?” replied the chancellor.