The trial was conducted in true Norsk fashion in the open air. The proceedings were extraordinarily public, and everyone who passed along the high road was welcome to attend them, and attended them. In the Lofoten no one is blase. Public interest was extensively aroused. Before judgment was given, I suppose there were seven or eight persons gathered in Mr. Thorwaldsen's garden. The parties pleaded in person. Mr. Ibsen said that he wanted his net. Mr. Thorwaldsen made short work of him. He pointed out that Mr. Ibsen was trying to eat his cake and have it. Mr. Ibsen was not a bit abashed. He seemed genuinely amused at being caught out like that. His neighbours rallied him unmercifully. In their eyes he had committed the merest peccadillo. Mr. Ibsen replied in kind, and they all laughed gaily. Even Oberhausen and I were infected by their deplorable levity. But Mr. Thorwaldsen put an end to our merriment by stating that the net would be confiscated and Mr. Ibsen would be fined. Mr. Ibsen, with a "don't care" shrug, laughed again most naughtily; he was invincibly cheery. Then Oberhausen's kind heart misgave him. He begged for mercy for Mr. Ibsen. Let the net be taken, but let not an old man be dragged before the magistrate. If he would apologise—Mr. Ibsen clutched at the
