But how came you to give yourself out for the Count? NILS STENSSON. How came I to——? Nay, what know I? Many’s the mad prank I have hit on in my day. And yet ’twas not I hit on it neither; for whereever I appeared in the Dales, the people crowded round me and hailed me as Count Sture. Deny it as I pleased, ’twas wasted breath. The Count had been there two years before, they said—and the veriest child knew me again. Well, so be it, thought I; never again will you be a Count in this life; why not try what ’tis like for once? NILS LYKKE. Well,—and what did you more? NILS STENSSON. I? I ate and drank and took my ease. The only pity was that I had to take the road again so soon. But when I set forth across the frontier—ha-ha-ha—I promised them I would soon be back with three or four thousand men—I know not how many I said—and then we would lay on in earnest. NILS LYKKE. And you did not bethink you that you were acting rashly? NILS STENSSON. Ay, afterwards; but then, to be sure, ’twas too late. NILS LYKKE. I grieve for you, my young friend; but you will soon come to feel the effects of your folly. Let me tell you that you are pursued. A troop of Swedish men-at-arms is out after you. NILS STENSSON. After me? Ha-ha-ha! Nay, that is rare! And when they come and think they have Count Sture in their clutches—ha-ha-ha! NILS LYKKE. [_Gravely._]——Then ’tis all over with you. NILS STENSSON. All over——? But I am not Count Sture. NILS LYKKE. You have called the people to arms. You have given seditious promises, and raised troubles in the land. NILS STENSSON. Ay, but ’twas only in jest! NILS LYKKE. King Gustav will scarce take that view of the affair. NILS STENSSON. Truly, there is something in what you say. To think I could be so featherwitted——Well, well, I’m not a dead man yet! You will protect me; and besides—-the men-at-arms can scarce be at my heels yet. NILS LYKKE. But what else have you to tell me? NILS STENSSON. I? Nothing. When once I have given you the packet—— NILS LYKKE. [_Off his guard._] The packet? NILS STENSSON. Ay, sure you know—— NILS LYKKE.