Such threats, however, would have no weight with him.
When he came to Merdoe he moored the cutter in silence--scarcely looking at Gjert, who came down to help him--and went in, without speaking, to the house, where he stood by the window for a while writing on the window-pane.

It was soon quite dark outside; Gjert had lit a candle, and had sat down by the table.

He understood that there was something wrong again with his mother, but did not dare to ask after her, as he was longing to do.

His father, during the rest of the evening, never stirred from the corner of the bench which was his son's sleeping-place; it was made to serve the double purpose of bench and bed.
When supper-time arrived, Gjert put some food on the table.

He felt that the situation somehow was dangerous, and went on his tiptoes to make as little noise as possible; but he was the more awkward in consequence, and made a clatter with the plates.
This, and the dread of him which his son showed, irritated Salve.