I.

Canute Aakre belonged to an ancient family of the parish, where it
had always been distinguished for its intelligence and care for
the public good. His father through self-exertion had attained to
the ministry, but had died early, and his widow being by birth a
peasant, the children were brought up as farmers. Consequently,
Canute's education was only of the kind afforded by the public
school; but his father's library had early inspired him with a
desire for knowledge, which was increased by association with his
friend Henrik Wergeland, who often visited him or sent him books,
seeds for his farm, and much good counsel. Agreeably to his
advice, Canute early got up a club for practice in debating and
study of the constitution, but which finally became a practical
agricultural society, for this and the surrounding parishes. He
also established a parish library, giving his father's books as
its first endowment, and organized in his own house a Sunday-
school for persons wishing to learn penmanship, arithmetic, and
history. In this way the attention of the public was fixed upon
him, and he was chosen a member of the board of parish-
commissioners, of which he soon became chairman. Here he continued
his endeavors to advance the school interests, which he succeeded
in placing in an admirable condition.

Canute Aakre was a short-built, active man, with small sharp eyes
and disorderly hair. He had large lips which seemed constantly
working, and a row of excellent teeth which had the same
appearance, for they shone when he spoke his clear sharp words,
which came out with a snap, as when the sparks are emitted from a