"There is no choice, then," said Drost Peter: "we must onwards, and, in God's name, may cut our way through. Follow close after us, huntsmen." "Off!" cried Thorstenson, already spurring his horse. "Stay a moment!" exclaimed Drost Peter: "whether we may get over the bridge alive, is uncertain; but our warrant must be secured. My bold squire's dexterity I can depend upon; and it will not be difficult for him to swim over, whilst we give the robbers something more to do than to think of stopping him. If you agree with me, good sirs, we shall entrust him with the king's letter and warrant: if we receive any hindrance, he takes it to the governor of Haraldsborg, or destroys the letter if he cannot escape." "You are cautious, noble knight," said Sir Rimaardson; "but I grant you are right: we must be provided against every accident." "Good!" exclaimed Thorstenson. "If we must make our wills, let it be done speedily. My fingers itch to get at the hounds." "There, my trusty Skirmen," said Drost Peter, giving to his squire the carefully wrapt-up letter. "You perfectly understand us? This concerns the security of the crown and royal house. If I demand not this letter from you on the other side of the bridge, account to me for it beyond the greatest bridge." He pointed gravely towards the heavens, and was silent. The blood mounted into the brave squire's cheeks. "I must flee, then, like a frightened wild goose, and not fight my way, gaily, by your side? It is a hard command, sir drost; but you will it so, and I obey. God be with you! We shall certainly meet beyond _that_ bridge." Again came a neighing from the thicket. "My norback!" cried Skirmen, joyfully; and, spurring his horse, he rode hastily down a little by-path that led into the thicket near the river. At the same instant the three knights started, at a rapid gallop, and with drawn swords, towards the bridge. "One at a time, or we shall throw one another into the river," cried Thorstenson, taking the lead. They had almost reached the bridge, and not a soul was to be seen. "A false alarm!" cried Thorstenson: "there is no one here." "On, on!" shouted Drost Peter, riding past him. "That was not my meaning," grumbled Thorstenson; angrily, endeavouring to regain the lead.