Indeed it would, but you have tried the loneliness before. Was it not two years you had been alone before you met us?

_Arnes._

Two and a half.

_Kari (pleased)._

Do you know what we'll do? We'll hide the swan and say that we've come home empty-handed. (_Takes the swan._) Hand me the ptarmigans. (_Hides them behind the hut._) Now I wish Halla would come soon. (_Walks to the back and blows his horn._)

_Halla (is heard answering)._

h.e.l.lo!

_Kari._

Here she comes.

_Arnes._

You are a happy mortal.

_Kari._

Yes, I am happy, and it is good to be here. We are free. We have enough to eat. We have sunshine, water, and shelter. What more do you want?

(_Arnes is silent._) I know you are brooding over something you don't want to tell me. You seem more gloomy every day. Are you longing to get away from here?

_Arnes._

Don't let us talk about such things to-day.

_Kari._

Perhaps it would do you good to unburden yourself to me or, better still, to Halla. She is wiser than I am, and she cares a good deal for you, I tell you.

_Arnes._

There are not many like Halla.

_Kari (hastily)._

We won't tell Halla about the mist. It might frighten her.

_Arnes._

I'll hold my peace.

_Enter Halla, carrying a pail of water. The pail is of plaited willow twigs c.h.i.n.ked with clay. With the other hand she leads a little girl about three years old. Halla is dressed in a white jerkin and black skirt, both of knitted wool. She wears her silver girdle around her waist. The child has on white knitted clothes. They are bare-headed, and their foot-wear is the same as that worn by the men._

_Halla._

Did you have good luck to-day?

_Kari (dolefully)._

We have caught nothing but trouble and weariness. The ptarmigans made themselves scarce to-day. We saw a flock of six, but they flew away before we could get our snares out.

_Halla (to Arnes)._

Is it true, what he says?

_Arnes._

It's true enough. We saw six ptarmigans, but they got away from us.

_Halla._

I am sorry. We must hope for better luck next time.

_Kari (laughing)._

I fooled you that time! (_Runs toward the hut._) Look here! Five big, fat ptarmigans!

_Halla._

Well, well!

_Kari (holding up the swan)._

And that's all.

_Halla._

What a lovely surprise! How did you catch it?

_Kari._

I ran it down.

_Arnes._

I don't believe there are many who can beat him at that. I know I can't.

_Tota._

May Tota pat it?

_Halla._

Tota may do anything she wants to. I should like to make you a jacket of swan's down.