"I think we had better tell him all; but let us wait until he has entirely recovered from his hurt." "That will be very soon," rejoined Joel.
By the end of the week Sylvius Hogg was able to leave his room without assistance, though he still limped a little; and he now began to spend hours on the benches in front of the house, gazing at the snow-clad summit of Gousta, while the Maan dashed merrily along at his feet.
People were continually passing over the road that led from Dal to the Rjukanfos now.

Most of them were tourists who stopped an hour or two at Dame Hanson's inn either to breakfast or dine.

There were also students in plenty with knapsacks on their backs, and the little Norwegian cockade in their caps.
Many of them knew the professor, so interminable greetings were exchanged, and cordial salutations, which showed how much Sylvius Hogg was loved by these young people.
"What, you here, Mister Sylvius ?" they would exclaim.
"Yes, my friend." "You, who are generally supposed to be in the remotest depths of the Hardanger!" "People are mistaken, then.

It was in the remotest depths of the Rjukanfos that I came very near staying." "Very well, we shall tell everybody that you are in Dal." "Yes, in Dal, with a game leg." "Fortunately you are at Dame Hansen's inn, where you will have the best of food and care." "Could one imagine a more comfortable place ?" "Most assuredly not." "Or better people ?" "There are none in the world," responded the young travelers merrily.
Then they would all drink to the health of Hulda and Joel, who were so well known throughout the Telemark.
And then the professor would tell them all about his adventure, frankly admitting his unpardonable imprudence, and telling how his life had been saved, and how grateful he felt to his preservers.
"And I shall remain here until I have paid my debt," he would add.

"My course of lectures on legislation will not be resumed for a long time, I fear, and you can enjoy an extended holiday." "Good! good! Mister Sylvius," cried the light-hearted band.