“ Ja! ” It was Olaf. “ Ja! I told you the Shining Devil’s mistress was all evil. Ja! Now I begin again that tale I started when he came”⁠—he glanced toward the preoccupied Rador. “And tell him not what I say should he ask. For I trust none here in Trolldom, save the Jomfrau ⁠—the White Virgin!

“After the oldster was adsprede ”⁠—Olaf once more used that expressive Norwegian word for the dissolving of Songar⁠—“I knew that it was a time for cunning. I said to myself, ‘If they think I have no ears to hear, they will speak; and it may be I will find a way to save my Helma and Dr. Goodwin’s friends, too.’ Ja , and they did speak.