Hush, Biörn—’tis a dangerous game I have ventured this night. The others stake only their lives; but I, trust me, a thousandfold more! BIÖRN. How mean you? Do you fear for your power and your favour with——? LADY INGER. My power? O God in Heaven! A RETAINER. [_Comes from the hall with a large sword._] See, here’s a real good wolf’s-tooth! With this will I flay the blood-suckers’ lackeys! EINAR HUK. [_To another._] What is that you have found? THE RETAINER. The breastplate they call Herlof Hyttefad’s. EINAR HUK. ’Tis too good for such as you. Look, here is the shaft of Sten Sture’s[14] lance; hang the breastplate upon it, and we shall have the noblest standard heart can desire. FINN. [_Comes from the door on the left, with a letter in his hand, and goes towards_ LADY INGER.] I have sought you through all the house—— LADY INGER. What would you? FINN. [_Hands her the letter._] A messenger is come from Trondhiem[15] with a letter for you. LADY INGER. Let me see! [_Opening the letter._] From Trondhiem? What can it be? [_Runs through the letter._] O God! From him! and here in Norway—— [_Reads on with strong emotion, while the men go on bringing out arms from the hall._ LADY INGER. [_To herself._] He is coming here. He is coming here to-night!—Ay, then ’tis with our wits we must fight, not with the sword. EINAR HUK. Enough, enough, good fellows; we are well armed now. Set we forth now on our way! LADY INGER. [_With a sudden change of tone._] No man shall leave my house to-night! EINAR HUK. But the wind is fair, noble lady; ’twill take us quickly up the fiord, and—— LADY INGER. It shall be as I have said. EINAR HUK. Are we to wait till to-morrow, then? LADY INGER. Till to-morrow, and longer still. No armed man shall go forth from Östråt yet awhile. [_Signs of displeasure among the crowd._ SOME OF THE PEASANTS. We will go all the same, Lady Inger! THE CRY SPREADS. Ay, ay; we _will_ go! LADY INGER.