He, from his superior height, glanced down with pity on the unfortunate creature, whom he at once took to be the actual owner of the cave he had explored.

Uncertain what to do, whether to speak or remain silent, he moved slightly as though to pass on; but the shock-headed dwarf leaped lightly in his way, and, planting himself firmly before him, shrieked some unintelligible threat, of which Errington could only make out the last words, "Nifleheim" and "Nastrond." "I believe he is commending me to the old Norwegian inferno," thought the young baronet with a smile, amused at the little man's evident excitement.

"Very polite of him, I'm sure! But, after all, I had no business here.

I'd better apologize." And forthwith he began to speak in the simplest English words he could choose, taking care to pronounce them very slowly and distinctly.
"I cannot understand you, my good sir; but I see you are angry.

I came here by accident.