He seized the reins at once to turn his horse and drive into the
road again, but at that moment he felt a hand upon his shoulder
and looked round. Beside him stood old Olof the groom, who had
served at the parsonage as long as Torarin could remember.

"Have you such haste to leave our house tonight, Torarin?" said
the man. "Let be and come indoors! Herr Arne sits there waiting
for you."

A thousand thoughts came into Torarin's head. He knew not whether
he was dreaming or awake. Olof the groom, whom he saw standing
alive and well beside him, he had seen a week before lying dead
amongst the others with a great wound in his throat.

Torarin took a firmer hold of the reins. He thought the best thing
for him was to make off as soon as he could. But Olof the groom's
hand still lay upon his shoulder, and the old fellow gave him no
peace.

Torarin racked his brains to find an excuse. "I had no thought of
coming to disturb Herr Arne so late in the evening," said he. "My
horse turned in here whilst I was unaware. I will go now and find
a lodging for the night. If Herr Arne wishes to see me, I can well
come again tomorrow."

With this Torarin bent forward and struck his horse with the slack
of the reins to make him move off.

But at the same instant the parson's man was at the horse's head;