KONGELF. 297 



the latter having succeeded in cutting off all communication 

 between it and the Swedish army lying in the vicinity, the 

 garrison was reduced to great straits for provisions, and 

 the enemy in consequence congratulated themselves on 

 the prospect of hunger soon compelling it to surrender. 

 One fine day, however, it happened that an eagle, whilst 

 flying over the Castle-yard, let fall from its talons a fine 

 salmon that it had just captured in the neighbouring 

 river. This " God-send" the besieged at once hoisted up 

 on the walls of the fortress. They also took the hides of 

 the cattle of various colours slaughtered during the siege, 

 which they placed one after the other on the back of the 

 only cow left them, and led her forth at intervals in sight 

 of the enemy; thus making them believe they had still 

 fish and meat in abundance. The ruse had the desired 

 effect; for the Danes, imagining that the garrison were 

 amply supplied with provisions, raised the siege and 

 retreated. 



The town of Kongelf, situated on the main land, and 

 under the very guns of Bonus Castle, is of even still more 

 ancient origin than the latter, mention being made of it 

 in the " Sagas " of the sixth century. Though at the 

 present day little better than a large village, and only 

 famous for gingerbread said to be the best in the 

 Peninsula, it was in former times a place of great repute, 

 containing from 15,000 to 20,000 inhabitants, and car- 

 rying on a very considerable commerce with different 

 countries. In a political point of view, it was also of 

 importance, there being, according to tradition, a sort 

 of compact between the Kings of Sweden, Norway, and 

 Denmark that they should meet here every third year 

 to settle any dispute that might arise amongst them- 

 selves or their subjects. Hence the town was called 

 Kungaliall, or Kuncjasal, signifying a dwelling, or Hall 

 of Kings. 



