(After a short pause, FINN enters cautiously through the door
on the right, looks round the room, and peeps into the Banquet
Hall; he then goes back to the door, and makes a sign to some
one outside. Immediately after, enter COUNCILLOR NILS LYKKE
and the Swedish Commander, JENS BIELKE.)
NILS LYKKE (softly). No one?
FINN (in the same tone). No one, master!
NILS LYKKE. And we may depend on you in all things?
FINN. The commandant in Trondhiem has ever given me a name for
trustiness.
NILS LYKKE. It is well; he has said as much to me. First
of all, then--has there come any stranger to Ostrat to-night,
before us?
FINN. Ay; a stranger came an hour since.
NILS LYKKE (softly, to JENS BIELKE). He is here. (Turns again
to FINN.) Would you know him again? Have you seen him?
FINN. Nay, none have seen him, that I know, but the gatekeeper.
He was brought at once to Lady Inger, and she----
NILS LYKKE. Well? What of her? He is not gone again already?
FINN. No; but it seems she keeps him hidden in one of her own
rooms; for----
NILS LYKKE. It is well.
JENS BIELKE (whispers). Then the first thing is to put a guard
on the gate; then we are sure of him.
NILS LYKKE (with a smile). Hm! (To FINN.) Tell me--is there
any way of leaving the castle but by the gate? Gape not at me so!
I mean--can one escape from Ostrat unseen, while the castle gate
is shut?
FINN. Nay, that I know not. 'Tis true they talk of secret ways
in the vaults beneath; but no one knows them save Lady Inger--and
mayhap Mistress Elina.
JENS BIELKE. The devil!
NILS LYKKE. It is well. You may go.
FINN. And should you need me in aught again, you have but to
open the second door on the right in the Banquet Hall, and I shall
presently be at hand.