great boots, fur coat, and all—slipped a couple of sticks of wood under his head, and was asleep in a second. He never slept later than four or five in the morning, but this time he awoke about two o'clock, quite rested and refreshed.
"Up, Bengt! he called. "For God's sake let's be off at once, so that we can breakfast at Mårbacka."
There was neither lamp nor candle in the room; but the night was not pitch-dark, and they could see well enough to grope their way out.
"You take the box, Bengt, and hitch up," said the Paymaster, "while I go in and settle for the lodging."
In a few moments they drove away. The storm had abated, and though the road was still heavy with snow, they made fair progress, now that the horse was rested.
"After all, it wasn't such a bad idea our stopping there over night," the Paymaster remarked.
"It turned out better than I expected," said Bengt. "But I had such bad dreams all night, and thought I heard a lot of noise. It sounded as if they were pounding and hammering in the crofter's room. I don't know yet whether they were up working or whether I was just dreaming."
"No doubt you dreamt they stole my money-chest," laughed the Paymaster.
"But, Master—where have you put the box?" the servant burst out, beginning to fumble about under the seat.
