However—since we have got upon the subject—I must tell you that it’s not the Chamberlain himself that keeps everything under his thumb. No, sir—old Lundestad is the man that stands behind and drives the sledge. STENSGÅRD. So I am told, in many quarters. I can’t understand how a Liberal like him—— MONSEN. Lundestad? Do you call Anders Lundestad a Liberal? To be sure, he professed Liberalism in his young days, when he was still at the foot of the ladder. And then he inherited his seat in Parliament from his father. Good Lord! everything runs in families here. STENSGÅRD. But there must be some means of putting a stop to all these abuses. ASLAKSEN. Yes, damn it all, Mr. Stensgård—see if you can’t put a stop to them! STENSGÅRD. I don’t say that I—— ASLAKSEN. Yes, you! You are just the man. You have the gift of the gab, as the saying goes; and what’s more: you have the pen of a ready writer. My paper’s at your disposal, you know. MONSEN. If anything is to be done, it must be done quickly. The preliminary election[11] comes on in three days now. STENSGÅRD. And if you were elected, your private affairs would not prevent your accepting the charge? MONSEN. My private affairs would suffer, of course; but if it appeared that the good of the community demanded the sacrifice, I should have to put aside all personal considerations. STENSGÅRD. Good; that’s good. And you have a party already: that I can see clearly. MONSEN. I flatter myself the majority of the younger, go-ahead generation—— ASLAKSEN. H’m, h’m! 'ware spies! DANIEL HEIRE _enters from the tent; he peers about shortsightedly, and approaches._ HEIRE. May I beg for the loan of a spare seat; I want to sit over there. MONSEN. The benches are fastened here, you see; but won’t you take a place at this table? HEIRE. Here? At this table? Oh yes, with pleasure. [_Sits._] Dear, dear! Champagne, I believe. MONSEN. Yes; won’t you join us in a glass? HEIRE. No, thank you! Madam Rundholmen’s champagne——Well, well, just half a glass to keep you company. If only one _had_ a glass, now. MONSEN. Bastian, go and get one. BASTIAN. Oh, Aslaksen, just go and fetch a glass. [ASLAKSEN _goes into the tent. A pause_ HEIRE.