Modern Icelandic Plays Part 40

_Sveinungi._

Rannveig, will you bring me the key to the drying-shed? You know where it hangs. (_Rannveig runs in._) You boys will have to carry the breadstuffs up into the loft of the storehouse, and the coffee and sugar too, and while I think of it, you had better take one sack out to the mill, Helgi.

_Helgi._

I will.

_Sveinungi (opening a bag)._

Here, Einar, you'll find iron and nails and brazil-wood, and here's something for yourself. (_Hands him a plug of tobacco._) See if you can be a bit saving of it.

_Einar (pats him on the shoulder)._

G.o.d bless you!

[_Goes into the smithy._

_Rannveig (comes out)._

Here is the key.

_Sveinungi_ (_unlocks the door to the drying-shed_). You can stack the timber on top of the old pile. After you have had your breakfast, you, Jon, and Indridi had better go and lie down. You must be tired.

_Jon._

I am sure I could keep on working all day if need be, and just as hard as those who have had their sleep. (_Indridi comes for the other chest._)

_Sveinungi (laughs)._

There are not many like you.

_Jorunn._

Where is Ljot? I thought she was here.

_Helgi._

I saw her walking in the yard. I have not seen her come back.

_Sveinungi (goes to the picket fence; calls)._

Ljot!

_Ljot (is heard answering)._

Yes!

_Sveinungi._

Are you there? Aren't you coming home?

_Ljot (is heard answering)._

I am coming.

_Jorunn._

Have you set the milk?

_Rannveig._

Yes.

_Jorunn._

Then come in, if you want to see what I have bought.

_Einar_ (_steps out into the door of the smithy. He holds a snuff-box in his hand, and is rolling up a long plug of tobacco, which he puts into the box_). This tastes better; the old stuff was getting as dry as hay.

(_Spits._) Oh, well, there was a time, but that's so long ago.

_Helgi._

What are you talking about?

_Einar._

It was a winter night, and I was lying in wait for the fox. Well, what happened was neither more nor less than this, that when I wanted to take a chew of tobacco, I found I'd left the box at home. I can stand it for one night, I thought, but it was cold where I was lying, and the fox made himself scarce. Let me tell you, when I had been waiting till nearly dawn, I'd gladly have given my soul for a good honest chew.

(_Ljot pa.s.ses through from the right, carrying some freshly gathered flowers in her hand. Goes into the house._)

_Helgi._

And did you get the fox?

_Einar._

I did. It came just as I was about to go home.

_Enter Indridi from the house._

_Jon._

When you got home, I'm sure you went straight for a good big plug of tobacco.

_Einar._

Maybe I did! It was the finest blue fox I've ever shot.

_Enter Frida from the left. She is warm from running._