human
Keep out of my way! I am the bearer of a message to the King, and you hinder me at your peril!
gpt
Dear me! said the wolf (on Rastekaïs all the animals can speak).
human
And, pray, what little shrimp are you, wriggling through the snow?
gpt
My name is Sampo Lappelill, replied the boy.
human
Who are you?
gpt
I, answered the wolf,
human
What do you mean by the sun festival?
gpt
Don't you know _that_? said the wolf.
human
We celebrate the sun's feast the day he first appears on the horizon after the long night of winter. All trolls, goblins, and animals in the north then assemble on Rastekaïs, and on that day they are not permitted to hurt each other. Lucky it was for you, my boy, that you came here to-day. On any other day, I should have devoured you long ago.
gpt
Is the King bound by the same law?
human
Of course he is, answered the wolf.
gpt
From one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset he will not dare to harm you. If, however, you are on the mountain when the time expires, you will be in great danger. For the King will then seize whoever comes first, and a thousand bears and a hundred thousand wolves will also be ready to rush upon you. There will soon be an end of Sampo Lappelill!
human
But perhaps, sir, said Sampo timidly,
gpt
Don't count on any such thing, my dear Sampo; on the contrary, I mean to seize you first myself. You are such a very nice, plump little boy! I see that you have been fattened on reindeer milk and cheese. You will be splendid for breakfast to-morrow morning!