The Argosy — page 315: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

296 About Norway. crossed our path our experience was limited. Whether it was merely the quietness of the Sunday that reigned, or whether this deserted aspect of affairs was the normal condition of the village, we had no means of ascertaining. Our guides were amiable, but even less intelligent than their kind, and as they could not speak a word of English they might have been dumb as well as stupid. Once or twice when we particularly wished to be enlightened upon some subject we endeavoured to make ourselves intelligible by signs, but humiliating failure was the result. It was only when, later on, we rested at an inn, awaiting the arrival of the boat, that, asking them if they would like some beer, they responded by signs as full of intelligence and acquiescence as need have been. Passing through the village, we came upon a more barren spot Kl Th ‘TROMSO, overlooking the sea, in the midst of which stood the church of Throndenaes. It is a curious monument of antiquity, and was once the chapel belonging to a monastery. Of the latter all trace has disappeared. Near the church was the “priest’s house,” and out came two young boys, probably the priest’s sons, with the keys of the church. The interior of the building was small; quaint and curious rather than beautiful. Over the altar were some closed pictures, and the boys swung back the shutters on hinges that seemed ready to fall to pieces, and disclosed old and hideous daubs all out of drawing and perspective, impossible faces and extraordinary con- tortions, which the youths proudly exhibited as priceless treasures. A pulpit black with age was in the middle of the church, and dark ancient pews were amongst the interesting relics of antiquity. A small opening led into what must once have been a sacristy, with an old stone that no doubt held holy water in the days of the monks: GoOmichboo S (E(0) m