SKETCHES FROM STERSDAL. 227 
the summer to see them sitting by the roadside, so 
seldom are they scared by the chase! 
Bears are very numerous. In Setersdal Bruin lives 
as a private gentleman in undisturbed possession of his 
estate, respected if not beloved by his neighbours ; but 
like other “‘ Majesties by the grace of God,” he cares 
little about affection, so long as he is respected, and this 
he certainly is in Setersdal; for the genuine Seters- 
dalian is too indolent and lazy, and perhaps also too 
cowardly, to meddle with a bear, even when it is the 
attacker, and, by way of amusement or pastime, sticks 
its claws into a cow or cow-boy. 
On the whole, the bear is a remarkably good-tem- 
pered animal. One day a few summers ago, Bruin took 
it into his head, by way of a little change, to have a 
short walk along the high road. Now, the Lensmand 
(sheriff’s officer) was also out in the discharge of his 
duties, and meeting his highness in Fandsklev (Devil’s 
Cliff), endeavoured to inform him in the politest way 
possible—by a gentle shower of small stones—that he 
should at least give half the road to the official autho- 
rities. Bruin, however, without allowing himself to be 
imposed on by a display of gold cord, gave him to 
understand by a majestic and significant growl that he 
had a desire to remain quiet, and that he did not parti- 
cularly approve of small stones. The Lensmand, there- 
fore, was compelled to turn back, and leave his majesty 
