"Why don't you join us for dinner, Mr. Nilsen," Hans offered. "It sounds like you've had a long journey."
"Thank you, I think I will," the younger man replied.
Hans led the young man toward the dining room. "Do sit down. Try the salad."
"Pickles?" Mr. Nilsen asked, eying the bowl.
"It's a pickled cucumber salad. A specialty where I'm from."
"I see," he replied, tasting some. "This is quite good. I look forward to the rest of the meal."
"And I,' Hans added, "look forward to knowing more about why you've come all this way."
"We'll get to that."
