"
The whole assembly, feeling that Canute was of quite a different
opinion, seemed struck, and looked at Lars, who said nothing
further, nor was further questioned. Canute turned to another
subject, as if nothing had happened, and did not again resume the
question till toward the close of the meeting, when he asked with
an air of indifference if they should send it back to the Foged
for closer consideration, as it certainly was contrary to the mind
of the people of the parish, by whom the grain-magazine was highly
valued; also, if he should put upon the record, "Proposal deemed
inexpedient."
"Against one vote," said Lars.
"Against two," said another instantly.
"Against three," said a third, and before the chairman had
recovered from his surprise, a majority had declared in favor of
the proposal.
He wrote; then read in a low tone, "Referred for acceptance, and
the meeting adjourned." Canute, rising and closing the "Records,"
blushed deeply, but resolved to have this vote defeated in the
parish meeting. In the yard he hitched his horse to the wagon, and
Lars came and seated himself by his side. On the way home they
spoke upon various subjects, but not upon this.
On the following day Canute's wife started for Lars' house, to
inquire of his wife if anything had happened between their
husbands; Canute had appeared so queerly when he returned home the
evening previous. A little beyond the house she met Lars' wife,
who came to make the same inquiry on account of a similar peculiar
behavior in her husband.
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