But from this adventure he imbibed a more lively sentiment of fear with regard to brownies and other goblins who amuse themselves by plaguing mankind, and he made them responsible for the catastrophe of the Motala.

It would have been vain to try and convince him that the Fire-Maidens did not exist, and that the flame, so suddenly appearing among the ruins, was but a natural phenomenon.

No reasoning could make him believe it.

His companions were, if possible, more obstinate than he in their credulity.

According to them, one of the Fire-Maidens had maliciously attracted the MOTALA to the coast.