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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Waif of the "Cynthia"
+by Andre Laurie and Jules Verne
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Waif of the "Cynthia"
+
+Author: Andre Laurie and Jules Verne
+
+Release Date: July 22, 2005 [EBook #16344]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WAIF OF THE "CYNTHIA" ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Norm Wolcott, Robert Fry and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE WAIF OF THE "CYNTHIA."
+
+
+By
+
+Jules Verne and Andre Laurie
+
+
+
+NO. 659 DOUBLE NUMBER
+PRICE 20 CENTS
+
+The Seaside Library, Pocket Edition,
+Issued Tri-weekly.
+By subscription
+$50 per annum.
+
+Copyrighted 1885 by George Munro--
+Entered at the Post Office at New York
+at second class rates--
+Jan. 6, 1886
+
+Rand McNally edition, published Feb. 1888
+325 pages printed on fine paper beautifully illustrated
+with handsome illuminated and embossed covers.
+
+
+
+
+THE WAIF OF THE "CYNTHIA."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MR. MALARIUS' FRIEND.
+
+
+There is probably neither in Europe nor anywhere else a scholar whose
+face is more universally known than that of Dr. Schwaryencrona, of
+Stockholm. His portrait appears on the millions of bottles with green
+seals, which are sent to the confines of the globe.
+
+Truth compels us to state that these bottles only contain cod liver oil,
+a good and useful medicine; which is sold to the inhabitants of Norway
+for a "couronnes," which is worth one franc and thirty-nine centimes.
+
+Formerly this oil was made by the fishermen, but now the process is a
+more scientific one, and the prince of this special industry is the
+celebrated Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+There is no one who has not seen his pointed beard, his spectacles, his
+hooked nose, and his cap of otter skin. The engraving, perhaps, is not
+very fine, but it is certainly a striking likeness. A proof of this is
+what happened one day in a primary school in Noroe, on the western coast
+of Norway, a few leagues from Bergen.
+
+Two o'clock had struck. The pupils were in their classes in the large,
+sanded hall--the girls on the left and the boys on the right--occupied
+in following the demonstration which their teacher, Mr. Malarius, was
+making on the black-board. Suddenly the door opened, and a fur coat, fur
+boots, fur gloves, and a cap of otter, made their appearance on the
+threshold.
+
+The pupils immediately rose respectfully, as is usual when a stranger
+visits the class-room. None of them had ever seen the new arrival
+before, but they all whispered when they saw him, "Doctor
+Schwaryencrona," so much did the picture engraved on the bottles
+resemble the doctor.
+
+We must say that the pupils of Mr. Malarius had the bottles continually
+before their eyes, for one of the principal manufactories of the doctor
+was at Noroe. But for many years the learned man had not visited that
+place, and none of the children consequently could have beheld him in
+the flesh. In imagination it was another matter, for they often spoke of
+him in Noroe, and his ears must have often tingled, if the popular
+belief has any foundation. Be this as it may, his recognition was
+unanimous, and a triumph for the unknown artist who had drawn his
+portrait--a triumph of which this modest artist might justly be proud,
+and of which more than one photographer in the world might well be
+jealous.
+
+But what astonished and disappointed the pupils a little was to discover
+that the doctor was a man below the ordinary height, and not the giant
+which they had imagined him to be. How could such an illustrious man be
+satisfied with a height of only five feet three inches? His gray head
+hardly reached the shoulder of Mr. Malarius, and he was already stooping
+with age. He was also much thinner than the doctor, which made him
+appear twice as tall. His large brown overcoat, to which long use had
+given a greenish tint, hung loosely around him; he wore short breeches
+and shoes with buckles, and from beneath his black silk cap a few gray
+locks had made their escape. His rosy cheeks and smiling countenance
+gave an expression of great sweetness to his face. He also wore
+spectacles, through which he did not cast piercing glances like the
+doctor, but through them his blue eyes shone with inexhaustible
+benevolence.
+
+In the memory of his pupils Mr. Malarius had never punished a scholar.
+But, nevertheless, they all respected him, and loved him. He had a brave
+soul, and all the world knew it very well. They were not ignorant of the
+fact that in his youth he had passed brilliant examinations, and that he
+had been offered a professorship in a great university, where he might
+have attained to honor and wealth. But he had a sister, poor Kristina,
+who was always ill and suffering. She would not have left her native
+village for the world, for she felt sure that she would die if they
+removed to the city. So Mr. Malarius had submitted gently to her wishes,
+and sacrificed his own prospects. He had accepted the humble duty of the
+village school-master, and when twenty years afterward Kristina had
+died, blessing him, he had become accustomed to his obscure and retired
+life, and did not care to change it. He was absorbed in his work, and
+forgot the world. He found a supreme pleasure in becoming a model
+instructor, and in having the best-conducted school in his country.
+Above all, he liked to instruct his best pupils in the higher branches,
+to initiate them into scientific studies, and in ancient and modern
+literature, and give them the information which is usually the portion
+of the higher classes, and not bestowed upon the children of fishermen
+and peasants.
+
+"What is good for one class, is good for the other," he argued. "If the
+poor have not as many comforts, that is no reason why they should be
+denied an acquaintance with Homer and Shakespeare; the names of the
+stars which guide them across the ocean, or of the plants which grow on
+the earth. They will soon see them laid low by their ploughs, but in
+their infancy at least they will have drunk from pure sources, and
+participated in the common patrimony of mankind." In more than one
+country this system would have been thought imprudent, and calculated to
+disgust the lowly with their humble lot in life, and lead them to wander
+away in search of adventures. But in Norway nobody thinks of these
+things. The patriarchal sweetness of their dispositions, the distance
+between the villages, and the laborious habits of the people, seem to
+remove all danger of this kind. This higher instruction is more frequent
+than a stranger would believe to be possible. Nowhere is education more
+generally diffused, and nowhere is it carried so high; as well in the
+poorest rural schools, as in the colleges.
+
+Therefore the Scandinavian Peninsula may flatter herself, that she has
+produced more learned and distinguished men in proportion to her
+population, than any other region of Europe. The traveler is constantly
+astonished by the contrast between the wild and savage aspect of nature,
+and the manufactures, and works of art, which represent the most refined
+civilization.
+
+But perhaps it is time for us to return to Noroe, and Dr.
+Schwaryencrona, whom we have left on the threshold of the school. If the
+pupils had been quick to recognize him, although they had never seen him
+before, it had been different with the instructor, whose acquaintance
+with him dated further back.
+
+"Ah! good-day, my dear Malarius!" said the visitor cordially, advancing
+with outstretched hands toward the school-master.
+
+"Sir! you are very welcome," answered the latter, a little surprised,
+and somewhat timidly, as is customary with all men who have lived
+secluded lives; and are interrupted in the midst of their duties. "But
+excuse me if I ask whom I have the honor of--"
+
+"What! Have I changed so much since we ran together over the snow, and
+smoked our long pipes at Christiania; have you forgotten our Krauss
+boarding-house, and must I name your comrade and friend?"
+
+"Schwaryencrona!" cried Mr. Malarius. "Is it possible.--Is it really
+you.--Is it the doctor?"
+
+"Oh! I beg of you, omit all ceremony. I am your old friend Roff, and you
+are my brave Olaf, the best, the dearest friend of my youth. Yes, I know
+you well. We have both changed a little in thirty years; but our hearts
+are still young, and we have always kept a little corner in them for
+those whom we learned to love, when we were students, and eat our dry
+bread side by side."
+
+The doctor laughed, and squeezed the hands of Mr. Malarius, whose eyes
+were moist.
+
+"My dear friend, my good excellent doctor, you must not stay here," said
+he; "I will give all these youngsters a holiday, for which they will not
+be sorry, I assure you, and then you must go home with me."
+
+"Not at all!" declared the doctor, turning toward the pupils who were
+watching this scene with lively interest. "I must neither interfere with
+your work, nor the studies of these youths. If you wish to give me great
+pleasure, you will permit me to sit here near you, while you resume your
+teaching."
+
+"I would willingly do so," answered Mr. Malarius, "but to tell you the
+truth, I have no longer any heart for geometry; besides, having
+mentioned a holiday, I do not like to disappoint the children. There is
+one way of arranging the matter however. If Doctor Schwaryencrona would
+deign to do my pupils the honor of questioning them about their studies,
+and then I will dismiss them for the rest of the day."
+
+"An excellent idea. I shall be only too happy to do so. I will become
+their examiner."
+
+Then taking the master's seat, he addressed the school:
+
+"Tell me," asked the doctor, "who is the best pupil?"
+
+"Erik Hersebom!" answered fifty youthful voices unhesitatingly.
+
+"Ah! Erik Hersebom. Well, Erik, will you come here?"
+
+A young boy, about twelve years of age, who was seated on the front row
+of benches, approached his chair. He was a grave, serious-looking child,
+whose pensive cast of countenance, and large deep set eyes, would have
+attracted attention anywhere, and he was the more remarkable, because of
+the blonde heads by which he was surrounded. While all his companions of
+both sexes had hair the color of flax, rosy complexions, and blue eyes,
+his hair was of deep chestnut color, like his eyes, and his skin was
+brown. He had not the prominent cheek bones, the short nose, and the
+stout frame of these Scandinavian children. In a word, by his physical
+characteristics so plainly marked, it was evident that he did not belong
+to the race by whom he was surrounded.
+
+He was clothed like them in the coarse cloth of the country, made in the
+style common among the peasantry of Bergen; but the delicacy of his
+limbs, the smallness of his head, the easy elegance of his poise, and
+the natural gracefulness of his movements and attitudes, all seemed to
+denote a foreign origin.
+
+No physiologist could have helped being struck at once by these
+peculiarities, and such was the case with Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+However, he had no motive for calling attention to these facts, and he
+simply proceeded to fulfill the duty which he had undertaken.
+
+"Where shall we begin--with grammar?" he asked the young lad.
+
+"I am at the command of the doctor," answered Erik, modestly.
+
+The doctor then gave him two or three simple questions, but was
+astonished to hear him answer them, not only in the Swedish language,
+but also in French and English. It was the usual custom of Mr. Malarius,
+who contended that it was as easy to learn three languages at once as it
+was to learn only one.
+
+"You teach them French and English then?" said the doctor, turning
+toward his friend.
+
+"Why not? also the elements of Greek and Latin. I do not see what harm
+it can do them."
+
+"Nor I," said the doctor, laughing, and Erik Hersebom translated several
+sentences very correctly.
+
+In one of the sentences, reference was made to the hemlock drunk by
+Socrates, and Mr. Malarius asked the doctor to question him as to the
+family which this plant belonged to.
+
+Erik answered without hesitation "that it was one of the family of
+umbelliferous plants," and described them in detail.
+
+From botany they passed to geometry, and Erik demonstrated clearly a
+theorem relative to the sum of the angles of a triangle.
+
+The doctor became every moment more and more surprised.
+
+"Let us have a little talk about geography," he said. "What sea is it
+which bounds Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia on the north?"
+
+"It is the Arctic Ocean."
+
+"And what waters does this ocean communicate with?"
+
+"The Atlantic on the west, and the Pacific on the east."
+
+"Can you name two or three of the most important seaports on the
+Pacific?"
+
+"I can mention Yokohama, in Japan; Melbourne, in Australia; San
+Francisco, in the State of California."
+
+"Well, since the Arctic Ocean communicates on one side with the
+Atlantic, and on the other with the Pacific, do you not think that the
+shortest route to Yokohama or San Francisco would be through this Arctic
+Ocean?"
+
+"Assuredly," answered Erik, "it would be the shortest way, if it were
+practicable, but all navigators who have attempted to follow it have
+been prevented by ice, and been compelled to renounce the enterprise,
+when they have escaped death."
+
+"Have they often attempted to discover the north-east passage?"
+
+"At least fifty times during the last three centuries, but without
+success."
+
+"Could you mention a few of the expeditions?"
+
+"The first was organized in 1523, under the direction of Franois
+Sebastian Cabot. It consisted of three vessels under the command of the
+unfortunate Sir Hugh Willoughby, who perished in Lapland, with all his
+crew. One of his lieutenants, Chancellor, was at first successful, and
+opened a direct route through the Polar Sea. But he also, while making a
+second attempt, was shipwrecked, and perished. A captain, Stephen
+Borough, who was sent in search of him, succeeded in making his way
+through the strait which separates Nova Zembla from the Island of
+Waigate and in penetrating into the Sea of Kara. But the fog and ice
+prevented him from going any further.
+
+"Two expeditions which were sent out in 1580 were equally unsuccessful.
+The project was nevertheless revived by the Hollanders about fifteen
+years later, and they fitted out, successively, three expeditions, under
+the command of Barentz.
+
+"In 1596, Barentz also perished, in the ice of Nova Zembla.
+
+"Ten years later Henry Hudson was sent out, but also failed.
+
+"The Danes were not more successful in 1653.
+
+"In 1676, Captain John Wood was also shipwrecked. Since that period the
+north-east passage has been considered impracticable, and abandoned by
+the maritime powers."
+
+"Has it never been attempted since that epoch?"
+
+"It has been by Russia, to whom it would be of immense advantage, as
+well as to all the northern nations, to find a direct route between her
+shores and Siberia. She has sent out during a century no less than
+eighteen expeditions to explore the coasts of Nova Zembla, the Sea of
+Kara, and the eastern and western coasts of Siberia. But, although these
+expeditions have made these places better known, they have also
+demonstrated the impossibility of forcing a passage through the Arctic
+Ocean. The academician Van Baer, who made the last attempt in 1837,
+after Admiral Lutke and Pachtusow, declared emphatically that this ocean
+is simply a glacier, as impracticable for vessels as it would be if it
+were a continent."
+
+"Must we, then, renounce all hopes of discovering a north-east passage?"
+
+"That seems to be the conclusion which we must arrive at, from the
+failure of these numerous attempts. It is said, however, that a great
+navigator, named Nordenskiold, wishes to make another attempt, after he
+has prepared himself by first exploring portions of this polar sea. If
+he then considers it practicable, he may get up another expedition."
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona was a warm admirer of Nordenskiold, and this is why
+he had asked these questions about the north-east passage. He was
+charmed with the clearness of these answers.
+
+He fixed his eyes on Erik Hersebom, with an expression of the deepest
+interest.
+
+"Where did you learn all this, my dear child?" he demanded, after a
+short silence.
+
+"Here, sir," answered Erik, surprised at the question.
+
+"You have never studied in any other school?"
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"Mr. Malarius may be proud of you, then," said the doctor, turning
+toward the master.
+
+"I am very well satisfied with Erik," said the latter.
+
+"He has been my pupil for eight years. When I first took him he was very
+young, and he has always been at the head of his section."
+
+The doctor became silent. His piercing eyes were fixed upon Erik, with a
+singular intensity. He seemed to be considering some problem, which it
+would not be wise to mention.
+
+"He could not have answered my question better and I think it useless to
+continue the examination," he said at last. "I will no longer delay your
+holiday, my children, and since Mr. Malarius desires it, we will stop
+for to-day."
+
+At these words, the master clapped his hands. All the pupils rose at
+once, collected their books, and arranged themselves in four lines, in
+the empty spaces between the benches.
+
+Mr. Malarias clapped his hands a second time. The column started, and
+marched out, keeping step with military precision.
+
+At a third signal they broke their ranks, and took to flight with joyous
+cries.
+
+In a few seconds they were scattered around the blue waters of the
+fiord, where might be seen also the turf roofs of the village of Noroe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE HOME OF A FISHERMAN IN NOROE.
+
+
+The house of Mr. Hersebom was, like all others in Noroe, covered by a
+turf roof, and built of enormous timbers of fir-trees, in the
+Scandinavian fashion. The two large rooms were separated by a hall in
+the center, which led to the boat-house where the canoes were kept. Here
+were also to be seen the fishing-tackle and the codfish, which they dry
+and sell. These two rooms were used both as living-rooms and bedrooms.
+They had a sort of wooden drawer let into the wall, with its mattress
+and skins, which serve for beds, and are only to be seen at night. This
+arrangement for sleeping, with the bright panels, and the large open
+fire-place, where a blazing fire of wood was always kept burning, gave
+to the interior of the most humble homes an appearance of neatness and
+domestic luxury unknown to the peasantry of Southern Europe.
+
+This evening all the family were gathered round the fire-place, where a
+huge kettle was boiling, containing "sillsallat," or smoked herring,
+salmon and potatoes.
+
+Mr. Hersebom, seated in a high wooden chair, was making a net, which was
+his usual occupation when he was not on the sea, or drying his fish. He
+was a hardy fisherman, whose skin had been bronzed by exposure to the
+arctic breezes, and his hair was gray, although he was still in the
+prime of life. His son Otto, a great boy, fourteen years old, who bore a
+strong resemblance to him, and who was destined to also become famous as
+a fisherman, sat near him. At present he was occupied in solving the
+mysteries of the rule of three, covering a little slate with figures,
+although his large hands looked as if they would be much more at home
+handling the oars.
+
+Erik, seated before the dining-table, was absorbed in a Volume of
+history that Mr. Malarius had lent him. Katrina, Hersebom, the goodwife,
+was occupied peacefully with her spinning-wheel, while little Vanda, a
+blonde of ten years, was seated on a stool, knitting a large stocking
+with red wool.
+
+At their feet a large dog of a yellowish-white color, with wool as thick
+as that of a sheep, lay curled up sound asleep.
+
+For more than one hour the silence had been unbroken, and the copper
+lamp suspended over their heads, and filled with fish oil, lighted
+softly this tranquil interior.
+
+To tell the truth, the silence became oppressive to Dame Katrina, who
+for some moments had betrayed the desire of unloosing her tongue.
+
+At last she could keep quiet no longer.
+
+"You have worked long enough for to-night," she said, "it is time to lay
+the cloth for supper."
+
+Without a word of expostulation. Erik lifted his large book, and seated
+himself nearer the fire-place, whilst Vanda laid aside her knitting, and
+going to the buffet brought out the plates and spoons.
+
+"Did you say, Otto," asked the little girl, "that our Erik answered the
+doctor very well?"
+
+"Very well, indeed," said Otto enthusiastically, "he talked like a book
+in fact. I do not know where he learned it all. The more questions the
+doctor asked the more he had to answer. The words came and came. Mr.
+Malarius was well satisfied with him."
+
+"I am also," said Vanda, gravely.
+
+"Oh, we were all well pleased. If you could have seen, mother, how the
+children all listened, with their mouths open. We were only afraid that
+our turn would come. But Erik was not afraid, and answered the doctor as
+he would have answered the master."
+
+"Stop. Mr. Malarius is as good as the doctor, and quite as learned,"
+cried Erik, whom their praises seemed to annoy.
+
+The old fisherman gave him an approving smile.
+
+"You are right, little boy," he said; "Mr. Malarius, if he chose, could
+be the superior of all the doctors in the town, and besides he does not
+make use of his scientific knowledge to ruin poor people."
+
+"Has Doctor Schwaryencrona ruined any one?" asked Erik with curiosity.
+
+"Well--if he has not done so, it has not been his fault. Do you think
+that I have taken any pleasure in the erection of his factory, which is
+sending forth its smoke on the borders of our fiord? Your mother can
+tell you that formerly we manufactured our own oil, and that we sold it
+easily in Bergen for a hundred and fifty to two hundred kroners a year.
+But that is all ended now--nobody will buy the brown oil, or, if they
+do, they pay so little for it, that it is not worth while to take the
+journey. We must be satisfied with selling the livers to the factory,
+and God only knows how this tiresome doctor has managed to get them for
+such a low price. I hardly realize forty-five kroners now, and I have to
+take twice as much trouble as formerly. Ah, well. I say it is not just,
+and the doctor would do better to look after his patients in Stockholm,
+instead of coming here to take away our trade by which we earn our
+bread."
+
+After these bitter words they were all silent. They heard nothing for
+some minutes except the clicking of the plates, as Vanda arranged them,
+whilst her mother emptied the contents of the pot into a large dish.
+
+Erik reflected deeply upon what Mr. Hersebom had said. Numerous
+objections presented themselves to his mind, and as he was candor
+itself--he could not help speaking.
+
+"It seems to me that you have a right to regret your former profits,
+father," he said, "but is it just to accuse Doctor Schwaryencrona of
+having diminished them? Is not his oil worth more than the home-made
+article?"
+
+"Ah! it is clearer, that is all. It does not taste as strong as ours,
+they say; and that is the reason why all the fine ladies in the town
+prefer it, no doubt; but it does not do any more good to the lungs of
+sick people than our oil."
+
+"But for some reason or other they buy it in preference; and since it is
+a very useful medicine it is essential that the public should experience
+as little disgust as possible in taking it. Therefore, if a doctor finds
+out a method of making it more palatable, is it not his duty to make use
+of his discovery?"
+
+Master Hersebom scratched his ear.
+
+"Doubtless," he said, reluctantly, "it is his duty as a doctor, but that
+is no reason why he should prevent poor fishermen from getting their
+living."
+
+"I believe the doctor's factory gives employment to three hundred,
+whilst there were only twenty in Noroe at the time of which you speak,"
+objected Erik, timidly.
+
+"You are right, and that is why the business is no longer worth
+anything," said Hersebom.
+
+"Come, supper is ready. Seat yourselves at the table," said Dame
+Katrina, who saw that the discussion was in danger of becoming
+unpleasantly warm.
+
+Erik understood that further opposition on his part would be out of
+place, and he did not answer the last argument of his father, but took
+his habitual seat beside Vanda.
+
+"Were the doctor and Mr. Malarius friends in childhood?" he asked, in
+order to give a turn to the conversation.
+
+"Yes," answered the fisherman, as he seated himself at the table. "They
+were both born in Noroe, and I can remember when they played around the
+school-house, although they are both ten years older than I am. Mr.
+Malarius was the son of the physician, and Doctor Schwaryencrona only
+the son of a simple fisherman. But he has risen in the world, and they
+say that he is now worth millions, and that his residence in Stockholm
+is a perfect palace. Oh, learning is a fine thing."
+
+After uttering this aphorism the brave man took a spoon to help the
+smoking fish and potatoes, when a knock at the door made him pause.
+
+"May I come in, Master Hersebom?" said a deep-toned voice. And without
+waiting for permission the person who had spoken entered, bringing with
+him a great blast of icy air.
+
+"Doctor Schwaryencrona!" cried the three children, while the father and
+mother rose quickly.
+
+"My dear Hersebom," said the doctor, taking the fisherman's hand, "we
+have not seen each other for many years, but I have not forgotten your
+excellent father, and thought I might call and see a friend of my
+childhood!"
+
+The worthy man felt a little ashamed of the accusations which he had so
+recently made against his visitor, and he did not know what to say. He
+contented himself, therefore, with returning the doctor's shake of the
+hand cordially, and smiling a welcome, whilst his good wife was more
+demonstrative.
+
+"Quick, Otto, Erik, help the doctor to take off his overcoat, and you,
+Vanda, prepare another place at the table," she said, for, like all
+Norwegian housekeepers, she was very hospitable.
+
+"Will you do us the honor, doctor, of eating a morsel with us?"
+
+"Indeed I would not refuse, you may be sure, if I had the least
+appetite; for I see you have a very tempting dish before you. But it is
+not an hour since I took supper with Mr. Malarius, and I certainly would
+not have called so early if I had thought you would be at the table. It
+would give me great pleasure if you would resume your seats and eat your
+supper."
+
+"Oh, doctor!" implored the good wife, "at least you will not refuse some
+'snorgas' and a cup of tea?"
+
+"I will gladly take a cup of tea, but on condition that, you eat your
+supper first," answered the doctor, seating himself in the large
+arm-chair.
+
+Vanda immediately placed the tea-kettle on the fire, and disappeared in
+the neighboring room. The rest of the family understanding with native
+courtesy that it would annoy their guest if they did not do as he
+wished, began to eat their supper.
+
+In two minutes the doctor was quite at his ease. He stirred the fire,
+and warmed his legs in the blaze of the dry wood that Katrina had thrown
+on before going to supper. He talked about old times, and old friends;
+those who had disappeared, and those who remained, about the changes
+that had taken place even in Bergen.
+
+He made himself quite at home, and, what was more remarkable, he
+succeeded in making Mr. Hersebom eat his supper.
+
+Vanda now entered carrying a large wooden dish, upon which was a saucer,
+which she offered so graciously to the doctor that he could not refuse
+it. It was the famous "snorgas" of Norway, slices of smoked reindeer,
+and shreds of herring, and red pepper, minced up and laid between slices
+of black bread, spiced cheese, and other condiments; which they eat at
+any hour to produce an appetite.
+
+It succeeded so well in the doctor's case, that although he only took it
+out of politeness, he was soon able to do honor to some preserved
+mulberries which were Dame Katrina's special pride, and so thirsty that
+he drank seven or eight cups of tea.
+
+Mr. Hersebom brought out a bottle of "schiedam," which he had bought of
+a Hollander.
+
+Then supper being ended, the doctor accepted an enormous pipe which his
+host offered him, and smoked away to their general satisfaction.
+
+By this time all feeling of constraint had passed away, and it seemed as
+if the doctor had always been a member of the family. They joked and
+laughed, and were the best of friends in the world, until the old clock
+of varnished wood struck ten.
+
+"My good friends, it is growing late," said the doctor.
+
+"If you will send the children to bed, we will talk about more serious
+matters."
+
+Upon a sign from Dame Katrina, Otto, Erik, and Vanda bade them
+good-night and left the room.
+
+"You wonder why I have come," said the doctor, after a moments' silence,
+fixing his penetrating glance upon the fisherman.
+
+"My guests are always welcome," answered the fisherman, sententiously.
+
+"Yes! I know that Noroe is famous for hospitality. But you must
+certainly have asked yourself what motive could have induced me to leave
+the society of my old friend Malarius and come to you. I am sure that
+Dame Hersebom has some suspicion of my motive."
+
+"We shall know when you tell us," replied the good woman,
+diplomatically.
+
+"Well," said the doctor, with a sigh, "since you will not help me, I
+must face it alone. Your son, Erik, Master Hersebom, is a most
+remarkable child."
+
+"I do not complain of him," answered the fisherman.
+
+"He is singularly intelligent, and well informed for his age," continued
+the doctor. "I questioned him to-day, in school, and I was very much
+surprised by the extraordinary ability which his answers displayed. I
+was also astonished, when I learned his name, to see that he bore no
+resemblance to you, nor indeed to any of the natives of this country."
+
+The fisherman and his wife remained silent and motionless.
+
+"To be brief," continued the doctor, with visible impatience, "this
+child not only interests me--he puzzles me. I have talked with Malarius,
+who told me that he was not your son, but that he had been cast on your
+shore by a shipwreck, and that you took him in and adopted him, bringing
+him up as your own, and bestowing your name upon him. This is true, is
+it not?"
+
+"Yes, doctor," answered Hersebom, gravely.
+
+"If he is not our son by birth, he is in love and affection," said
+Katrina, with moist eyes and trembling hands. "Between him, and Otto,
+and Vanda, we have made no difference--we have never thought of him only
+as our own child."
+
+"These sentiments do you both honor," said the doctor, moved by the
+emotion of the brave woman. "But I beg of you, my friends, relate to me
+the history of this child. I have come to hear it, and I assure you that
+I wish him well."
+
+The fisherman appeared to hesitate a moment. Then seeing that the doctor
+was waiting impatiently for him to speak, he concluded to gratify him.
+
+"You have been told the truth," he said, regretfully; "the child is not
+our son. Twelve years ago I was fishing near the island at the entrance
+of the fiord, near the open sea. You know it is surrounded by a sand
+bank, and that cod-fish are plentiful there. After a good day's work, I
+drew in my lines, and was going to hoist my sail, when something white
+moving upon the water, about a mile off, attracted my attention. The sea
+was calm, and there was nothing pressing to hurry me home, so I had the
+curiosity to go and see what this white object was. In ten minutes I had
+reached it. It was a little wicker cradle, enveloped in a woolen cloth,
+and strongly tied to a buoy. I drew it toward me; an emotion which I
+could not understand seized me; I beheld a sleeping infant, about seven
+or eight months old, whose little fists were tightly clinched. He looked
+a little pale and cold, but did not appear to have suffered much from
+his adventurous voyage, if one might judge by his lusty screams when he
+awoke, as he did immediately, when he no longer felt himself rocked by
+the waves. Our little Otto was over two years old, and I knew how to
+manage such little rogues. I rolled up a bit of rag, dipped it in some
+_eau de vie_ and water that I had with me, and gave it to him to suck.
+This quieted him at once, and he seemed to enjoy the cordial. But I knew
+that he would not be quiet long, therefore I made all haste to return to
+Noroe. I had untied the cradle and placed it in the boat at my feet; and
+while I attended to my sail, I watched the poor little one, and asked
+myself where it could possibly have come from. Doubtless from some
+shipwrecked vessel. A fierce tempest had been raging during the night,
+and there had been many disasters. But by what means had this infant
+escaped the fate of those who had had the charge of him? How had they
+thought of tying him to the buoy? How many hours had he been floating on
+the waves? Where were his father and mother, those who loved him? But
+all these questions had to remain unanswered, the poor baby was unable
+to give us any information. In half an hour I was at home, and gave my
+new possession to Katrina. We had a cow then, and she was immediately
+pressed into service as a nurse for the infant. He was so pretty, so
+smiling, so rosy, when he had been fed and warmed before the fire, that
+we fell in love with him at once; just the same as if he had been our
+own. And then, you see, we took care of him; we brought him up, and we
+have never made any difference between him and our own two children. Is
+it not true, wife?" added Mr. Hersebom, turning toward Katrina.
+
+"Very true, the poor little one," answered the good dame, drying her
+eyes, which this recital had filled with tears. "And he is our child
+now, for we have adopted him. I do not know why Mr. Malarius should say
+anything to the contrary."
+
+"It is true," said Hersebom, and I do not see that it concerns any one
+but ourselves."
+
+"That is so," said the doctor, in a conciliatory tone, "but you must
+not accuse Mr. Malarius of being indiscreet. I was struck with the
+physiognomy of the child, and I begged my friend confidentially to
+relate his history. He told me that Erik believed himself to be your
+son, and that every one in Noroe had forgotten how he had become
+yours. Therefore, you see, I took care not to speak until the children
+had been sent to bed. You say that he was about seven or eight months
+old when you found him?"
+
+"About that; he had already four teeth, the little brigand, and I assure
+you that it was not long before he began to use them," said Hersebom,
+laughing.
+
+"Oh, he was a superb child," said Katrinn, eagerly. "He was so white,
+and strong, and plump; and such arms and legs. You should have seen
+them!"
+
+"How was he dressed?" asked Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+Hersebom did not answer, but his wife was less discreet.
+
+"Like a little prince," she answered. "Imagine a robe of pique, trimmed
+all over with lace, a pelisse of quilted satin, a cloak of white velvet,
+and a little cap; the son of a king could not have more. Everything he
+had was beautiful. But you can see for yourself, for I have kept them
+all just as they were. You may be sure that we did not dress the baby in
+them. Oh, no; I put Otto's little garments on him, which I had laid
+away, and which also served, later on, for Vanda. But his outfit is
+here, and I will show it to you."
+
+While she was speaking, the worthy woman knelt down before a large oaken
+chest, with an antique lock, and after lifting the lid, began searching
+the compartments.
+
+She drew out, one by one, all the garments of which she had spoken, and
+displayed them with pride before the eyes of the doctor. She also showed
+the linen, which was exquisitely fine, a little quilt of silk, and a
+pair of white merino boots. All the articles were marked with the
+initials "E.D.," elegantly embroidered, as the doctor saw at a glance.
+
+"'E.D.;' is that why you named the child Erik?" he asked.
+
+"Precisely," answered Katrina, who it was evident enjoyed this
+exhibition, while her husband's face grew more gloomy. "See," she said,
+"this is the most beautiful of all. He wore it around his neck."
+
+And she drew from its box a rattle of coral and gold, suspended from a
+little chain.
+
+The initials "E.D." were here surrounded by a Latin motto, "Semper
+idem."
+
+"We thought at first it was the baby's name, but Mr. Malarius told us it
+meant 'always the same,'" she continued, seeing that the doctor was
+trying to decipher the motto.
+
+"Mr. Malarius told you the truth," said the doctor. "It is evident the
+child belonged to a rich and distinguished family," he added, while
+Katrina replaced the babe's outfit in the oaken chest.
+
+"Have you any idea what country he came from?"
+
+"How could we know anything about it, since I found him on the sea?"
+replied Hersebom.
+
+"Yes, but the cradle was attached to a buoy, you said, and it is
+customary on all vessels to write on the buoy the name of the ship to
+which it belongs," answered the doctor, fixing his penetrating eyes upon
+those of the fisherman.
+
+"Doubtless," said the latter, hanging his head.
+
+"Well, this buoy, what name did it bear?"
+
+"Doctor, I am not a _savant_. I can read my own language a little, but
+as for foreign tongues--and then it was so long ago."
+
+"However, you ought to be able to remember something about it--and
+doubtless you showed it to Mr. Malarius, with the rest of the
+articles--make a little effort, Mr. Hersebom. Was not this name
+inscribed on the buoy, 'Cynthia'?"
+
+"I believe it was something like that," answered the fisherman vaguely.
+
+"It is a strange name. To what country does it belong in your judgment,
+Mr. Hersebom?"
+
+"How should I know? Have I ever been beyond the shores of Noroe and
+Bergen, except once or twice to fish off the coast of Greenland and
+Iceland?" answered the good man, in a tone which grew more and more
+morose.
+
+"I think it is either an English or a German name," said the doctor,
+taking no notice of his crossness. "It would be easy to decide on
+account of the shape of the letters, if I could see the buoy. Have you
+preserved it?"
+
+"By my faith no. It was burnt up ages ago," answered Hersebom,
+triumphantly.
+
+"As near as Mr. Malarius could remember, the letters were Roman," said
+the doctor, as if he were talking to himself--"and the letters on the
+linen certainly are. It is therefore probable that the 'Cynthia' was not
+a German vessel. I think it was an English one. Is not this your
+opinion, Mr. Hersebom?"
+
+"Well, I have thought little about it," replied the fisherman. "Whether
+it was English, German, or Russian, makes no difference to me. For many
+years according to all appearances, they have lain beneath the sea,
+which alone could tell the secret."
+
+"But you have doubtless made some effort to discover the family to whom
+the child belonged?" said the doctor, whose glasses seemed to shine with
+irony. "You doubtless wrote to the Governor of Bergen, and had him
+insert an advertisement in the journals?"
+
+"I!" cried the fisherman, "I did nothing of the kind. God knows where
+the baby came from; why should I trouble myself about it? Can I afford
+to spend money to find his people, who perhaps care little for him? Put
+yourself in my place, doctor. I am not a millionaire, and you may be
+sure if we had spent all we had, we should have discovered nothing. I
+have done the best I could; we have raised the little one as our own
+son, we have loved him and taken care of him."
+
+"Even more than the two others, if it were possible," interrupted
+Katrina, drying her eyes on the corner of her apron. "If we have
+anything to reproach ourselves for, it is for bestowing upon him too
+large a share of our tenderness."
+
+"Dame Hersebom, you must not do me the injustice to suppose that your
+kindness to the little shipwrecked child inspires me with any other
+feeling than the greatest admiration," said the doctor.
+
+"No, you must not think such a thing. But if you wish me to speak
+frankly--I must say that this tenderness has blinded you to your duty.
+You should have endeavored to discover the family of the infant, as far
+as your means permitted."
+
+There was perfect silence for a few minutes.
+
+"It is possible that we have done wrong," said Mr. Hersebom, who had
+hung his head under this reproach. "But what is done can not be altered.
+Erik belongs to us now, and I do not wish any one to speak to him about
+these old reminiscences."
+
+"You need have no fear, I will not betray your confidence," answered the
+doctor, rising.
+
+"I must leave you, my good friends, and I wish you good-night--a night
+free from remorse," he added, gravely.
+
+Then he put on his fur cloak, and shook hands cordially with his hosts,
+and being conducted to the door by Hersebom, he took the road toward his
+factory.
+
+The fisherman stood for a moment on the threshold, watching his
+retreating figure in the moonlight.
+
+"What a devil of a man!" he murmured, as at last he closed his door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+MR. HERSEBOM'S REFLECTIONS.
+
+
+The next morning Dr. Schwaryencrona had just finished breakfast with his
+overseer, after having made a thorough inspection of his factory when he
+saw a person enter whom he did not at first recognize as Mr. Hersebom.
+
+He was clothed in his holiday suit: his embroidered waistcoat, his
+furred riding coat, and his high hat, and the fisherman looked very
+different to what he did in his working clothes. But what made the
+change more apparent, was the deep sadness and humility portrayed in his
+countenance. His eyes were red, and looked as if he had had no sleep all
+the night.
+
+This was in fact the case. Mr. Hersebom who up to this time had never
+felt his conscience trouble him, had passed hours of sad remorse, on his
+mattress of skins.
+
+Toward morning he had exchanged confidences with Dame Katrina, who had
+also been unable to close her eyes.
+
+"Wife, I have been thinking of what the doctor said to us," he said,
+after several hours of wakefulness.
+
+"I have been thinking of it also, ever since he left us," answered his
+worthy helpmate.
+
+"It is my opinion that there is some truth in what he said, and that we
+have perhaps acted more egotistically than we should have done. Who
+knows but that the child may have a right to some great fortune, of
+which he is deprived by our negligence? Who knows if his family have not
+mourned for him these twelve years, and they could justly accuse us of
+having made no attempt to restore him to them?"
+
+"This is precisely what I have been saying to myself," answered Katrina,
+sighing. "If his mother is living what frightful anguish the poor woman
+must have endured, in believing that her infant was drowned. I put
+myself in her place, and imagine that we had lost Otto in this manner.
+We would never have been consoled."
+
+"It is not thoughts of his mother that trouble me, for according to all
+appearances, she is dead," said Hersebom, after a silence broken only by
+their sighs.
+
+"How can we suppose that an infant of that age would travel without her,
+or that it would have been tied to a buoy and left to take its chances
+on the ocean, if she had been living?"
+
+"That is true; but what do we know about it, after all. Perhaps she also
+has had a miraculous escape."
+
+"Perhaps some one has taken her infant from her--this idea has often
+occurred to me," answered Hersebom. "Some one might be interested in his
+disappearance. To expose so young a child to such a hazardous proceeding
+is so extraordinary that such conjectures are possible, and in this case
+we have become accomplices of a crime--we have contributed to its
+success. Is it not horrible to think of?"
+
+"And we thought we were doing such a good and charitable work in
+adopting the poor little one."
+
+"Oh, it is evident that we had no malicious intentions. We nourished it,
+and brought it up as well as we were able, but that does not prevent me
+from seeing that we have acted rashly, and the little one will have a
+right to reproach us some of these days."
+
+"We need not be afraid of that, I am sure. But it is too bad that we
+should feel at this late day that we have done anything for which we
+must reproach ourselves."
+
+"How strange it is that the same action regarded from a different point
+of view, can be judged so differently. I never would have thought of
+such a thing. And yet a few words from the doctor seems to have turned
+my brain."
+
+Thus these good people talked during the night.
+
+The result of their nocturnal conversation was that Mr. Hersebom
+resolved to call upon the doctor, and ask him what they could do to make
+amends for the error of which they had been guilty.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona did not revert to the conversation which had taken
+place the previous evening. He appeared to regard the visit of the
+fisherman as simply an act of politeness, and received him cordially,
+and began talking about the weather and the price of fish.
+
+Mr. Hersebom tried to lead the conversation toward the subject which
+occupied his mind. He spoke of Mr. Malarius' school, and at last said
+plainly: "Doctor, my wife and I have been thinking all night about what
+you said to us last evening about the boy. We never thought that we were
+doing him a wrong in educating him as our son. But you have changed our
+opinion, and we want to know what you would advise us to do, in order to
+repair our fault. Do you think that we still ought to seek to find
+Erik's family?"
+
+"It is never too late to do our duty," said the doctor, "although the
+task is certainly much more difficult now than it would have been at
+first."
+
+"Will you interest yourself in the matter?"
+
+"I will, with pleasure," answered the doctor; "and I promise you to use
+every exertion to fulfill it, upon one condition: that is, that you let
+me take the boy to Stockholm."
+
+If Mr. Hersebom had been struck on the head with a club, he would not
+have been more astonished than he was by this proposal.
+
+"Intrust Erik to you! Send him to Stockholm! Why should I do this,
+doctor?" he asked, in an altered voice.
+
+"I will tell you. My attention was drawn to the child, not only on
+account of his physical appearance, which was so different to that of
+his companions, but by his great intelligence and his evident taste
+for study. Before knowing the circumstances which had brought him to
+Noroe, I said to myself that it was a shame to leave a boy so gifted
+in a village school--even under such a master as Malarius; for here
+there is nothing to assist in the development of his exceptionally
+great faculties. There are no museums, nor scientific collections, nor
+libraries, nor competitors who are worthy of him. I felt a strong
+desire to give him the advantages of a complete education. You can
+understand that, after the confidence which you have bestowed upon me,
+I am more anxious to do so than before. You can see, Mr. Hersebom,
+that your adopted son belongs to some rich and distinguished family.
+If I succeed in finding them, would you wish to restore to them a
+child educated in a village, and deprived of this education, without
+which he will feel out of place among his kindred? It is not
+reasonable; and you are too sensible not to understand it."
+
+Mr. Hersebom hung his head: without his being aware of it, two large
+tears rolled down his cheeks.
+
+"But then," he said, "this would be an entire separation. Before we
+ever know whether the child will find his relations, he must be taken
+from his home. It is asking too much, doctor--asking too much of my
+wife. The child is happy with us. Why can he not be left alone, at
+least until he is sure of a better one?"
+
+"Happy. How do you know that he will be so when he grows older? How
+can you tell whether he may not regret having been saved? Intelligent
+and superior as he will be, perhaps he would be stifled with the life
+which you would offer him in Noroe."
+
+"But, doctor, this life which you disdain, is good enough for us. Why is
+it not good enough for him?"
+
+"I do not disdain it," said the doctor. "Nobody admires and honors those
+who work more than I do. Do you believe, Mr. Hersebom, that I forget my
+birth? My father and grandfather were fishermen like yourself, and it is
+just because they were so far-seeing as to educate me, that I appreciate
+the value of it, and I would assure it to a child who merits it. It is
+his interest alone which guides me, I beg of you to believe."
+
+"Ah--what do I know about it? Erik will be almost grown up when you have
+made a gentleman of him, and he will not know how to use his arms. Then
+if you do not find his family, which is more than possible, since twelve
+years have passed since I found him, what a beautiful future we are
+preparing for him! Do you not see, doctor, that a fisherman's life is a
+brave one--better than any other: with a good boat under his feet and
+four or five dozen of cod-fish at the end of his lines, a Norwegian
+fisherman need have no fear, nor be indebted to any one. You say that
+Erik would not be happy leading such a life. Permit me to believe the
+contrary. I know the child well, he loves his books, but, above all, he
+loves the sea. It also almost seems as if he felt that he had been
+rocked upon it, and all the museums in the world would not console him
+for the loss of it."
+
+"But we have the sea around us also at Stockholm," said the doctor,
+smiling--touched in spite of himself by this affectionate resistance.
+
+"Well," said the fisherman, crossing his arms, "what do you wish to do?
+what do you propose, doctor?"
+
+"There, you see, after all, the necessity of doing something. Well this
+is my proposition--Erik is twelve years old, nearly thirteen, and he
+appears to be highly gifted. We will say nothing about his origin--he is
+worthy of being supplied with the means of developing and utilizing his
+faculties; that is all we need trouble ourselves about at present. I am
+rich, and I have no children. I will undertake to furnish the means, and
+give him the best masters, and all possible facilities for profiting by
+their instructions. I will do this for two years. During this time I
+will make inquiries, insert advertisements in the newspapers; make every
+possible exertion, move heaven and earth to discover his parents. If I
+do not find them in two years, we shall never do it. If his relatives
+are found, they will naturally decide his future career in life. If we
+do not find them, I will send Erik back to you. He will then be fifteen
+years old--he will have seen something of the world. The hour will have
+arrived to tell him the truth about his birth. Then aided by our advice,
+and the opinions of his teachers, he can choose what path he would
+prefer to follow. If he wishes to become a fisherman, I will not oppose
+it. If he wishes to continue his studies, I engage to furnish the means
+for him to follow any profession that he may choose. Does this seem a
+reasonable proposition to you?"
+
+"More than reasonable. It is wisdom itself issuing from your lips,
+doctor," said Mr. Hersebom, overcome in spite of himself. "See what it
+is to have an education!" he continued, shaking his head. "The
+difficulty will be to repeat all you have said to my wife. When will you
+take the child away?"
+
+"To-morrow. I can not delay my return to Stockholm any longer."
+
+Mr. Hersebom heaved a deep sigh, which was almost a sob.
+
+"To-morrow! So soon!" he said. "Well, what must be, must be. I will go
+and talk to my wife about it."
+
+"Yes, do so, and consult Mr. Malarius also; you will find that he is of
+my opinion."
+
+"I do not doubt it," answered the fisherman, with a sad smile.
+
+He shook the hand which Dr. Schwaryencrona held out to him, and went
+away looking very thoughtful.
+
+That evening before dinner the doctor again directed his steps toward
+the dwelling of Mr. Hersebom. He found the family assembled round the
+hearth, as they were the evening before, but not wearing the same
+appearance of peaceful happiness. The father was seated the furthest
+from the fire, silent, and with idle hands. Katrina, with tears in her
+eyes, held Erik's hands between her own, whose cheeks were reddened by
+the hope of the new destiny which seemed opening before him, but who
+looked sad at leaving all whom he loved, and who did not know what
+feeling he ought to yield to.
+
+Little Vanda's face was hidden in her father's knees, and nothing could
+be seen except her long braids of golden hair. Otto, also greatly
+troubled at this proposed separation, sat motionless beside his brother.
+
+"How sad and disconsolate you look!" said the doctor, stopping on the
+threshold. "If Erik were about to set out on a distant and most perilous
+expedition you could not show more grief. He is not going to do anything
+of the kind, I assure you, my good friends. Stockholm is not at the
+antipodes, and the child is not going away forever. He can write to you,
+and I do not doubt that he will do so often. He is only going away to
+school, like so many other boys. In two years he will return tall, and
+well-informed, and accomplished, I hope. Is this anything to feel sad
+about? Seriously, it is not reasonable."
+
+Katrina arose with the natural dignity of the peasant of the North.
+
+"Doctor," she said, "God is my witness that I am profoundly grateful to
+you for what you propose to do for Erik--but we can not help feeling sad
+because of his departure. Mr. Hersebom has explained to me that it is
+necessary, and I submit. Do not think that I shall feel no regret."
+
+"Mother," said Erik, "I will not go, if it causes you such pain."
+
+"No, child," answered the worthy woman, taking him in her arms.
+"Education is a benefit which we have no right to refuse you. Go, my
+son, and thank the doctor who has provided it for you, and prove to him
+by constant application to your studies that you appreciate his
+kindness."
+
+"There, there," said the doctor, whose glasses were dimmed by a singular
+cloudiness, "let us rather speak of practical matters, that will be
+better. You know, do you not, that we must set out to-morrow very early,
+and that you must have everything ready. We will go by sleigh to Bergen,
+and thence by railroad. Erik only needs a change of linen, I will
+procure everything else that is necessary at Stockholm."
+
+"Everything shall be ready," answered Dame Hersebom.
+
+"Vanda," she added, with Norwegian hospitality, "the doctor is still
+standing."
+
+The little girl hurriedly pushed a large arm-chair toward him.
+
+"I can not stay," said the doctor. "I promised my friend Malarius to
+dine with him, and he is waiting for me. Little girl," he said, laying
+his hand gently upon Vanda's blonde head, "I hope you do not wish me any
+harm because I am taking your brother away from you?"
+
+"No, doctor," she answered gravely. "Erik will be happier with you--he
+was not intended to live in a village."
+
+"And you, little one, will you be very unhappy without him?"
+
+"The shore will seem deserted," she answered; "the seagulls will look
+for him without finding him, the little waves will be astonished because
+they no longer see him, and the house will seem empty, but Erik will be
+contented, because he will have plenty of books, and he will become a
+learned man."
+
+"And his little sister will rejoice in his happiness--is it not so, my
+child?" said the doctor, kissing the forehead of the little girl. "And
+she will be proud of him when he returns--see we have arranged the whole
+matter--but I must hurry away. Good-bye until to-morrow."
+
+"Doctor," murmured Vanda, timidly, "I wish to ask a favor of you!"
+
+"Speak, child."
+
+"You are going in a sleigh, you said. I wish with my papa's and mamma's
+permission to drive you to the first relay."
+
+"Ah, ah! but I have already arranged that. Reguild, the daughter of my
+overseer, should do this."
+
+"Yes, I know it, but she is willing that I should take her place, if you
+will authorize me to do so."
+
+"Well, in that case you have only to obtain the permission of your
+father and mother."
+
+"I have done so."
+
+"Then you have mine also, dear child," said the doctor, and he took his
+departure.
+
+The next morning when the sleigh stopped before the door of Mr. Hersebom
+little Vanda held the reins according to her desire, seated upon the
+front seat.
+
+She was going to drive them to the next village, where the doctor would
+procure another horse and sleigh, and thus procure relays until he
+reached Bergen. This new kind of coachman always astonishes a stranger,
+but it is the custom in Norway and Sweden. The men would think it a loss
+of time to pursue such a calling, and it is not rare to see children of
+ten or twelve years of age managing heavy equipages with perfect ease.
+
+The doctor was already installed in the back of the sleigh, nearly
+hidden by his furs. Erik took his seat beside Vanda, after having
+tenderly embraced his father and brother, who contented themselves by
+showing by their mute sadness the sorrow which his departure caused
+them; but the good Katrina was more open in the expression of her
+feelings.
+
+"Adieu, my son!" she said, in the midst of her tears. "Never forget what
+you have learned from your poor parents--be honest, and brave, and never
+tell a lie. Work as hard as you can--always protect those who are weaker
+than yourself--and if you do not find the happiness you merit come back
+and seek it with us."
+
+Vanda touched the horse which set out at a trot, and made the bells
+ring. The air was cold, and the road as hard as glass. Just above the
+horizon a pale sun began to throw his golden beams upon the snowy
+landscape. In a few minutes Noroe was out of sight behind them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AT STOCKHOLM.
+
+
+Doctor Schwaryencrona lived in a magnificent house in Stockholm. It was
+in the oldest and most aristocratic quarter of the charming capital,
+which is one of the most pleasant and agreeable in Europe. Strangers
+would visit it much more frequently if it were better known and more
+fashionable. But tourists, unfortunately for themselves, plan their
+journeys much upon the same principle as they purchase their hats.
+Situated between Lake Melar and the Baltic, it is built upon eight small
+islands, connected by innumerable bridges, and bordered by splendid
+quays, enlivened by numerous steam-boats, which fulfill the duties of
+omnibuses. The population are hardworking, gay, and contented. They are
+the most hospitable, the most polite, and the best educated of any
+nation in Europe. Stockholm, with its libraries, its museums, its
+scientific establishments, is in fact the Athens of the North, as well
+as a very important commercial center.
+
+Erik, however, had not recovered from the sadness incident upon parting
+from Vanda, who had left them at the first relay. Their parting had been
+more sorrowful than would have been expected at their age, but they had
+not been able to conceal their emotion.
+
+When the carriage stopped before a large brick house, whose double
+windows shone resplendently with gaslight, Erik was fairly dazzled. The
+copper knocker of the door appeared to him to be of fine gold. The
+vestibule, paved with marble and ornamented with statues, bronze
+torches, and large Chinese-vases, completed his amazement.
+
+A footman in livery removed his master's furs, and inquired after his
+health with the affectionate cordiality which is habitual with Swedish
+servants. Erik looked around him with amazement.
+
+The sound of voices attracted his attention toward the broad oaken
+staircase, covered with heavy carpet. He turned, and saw two persons
+whose costumes appeared to him the height of elegance.
+
+One was a lady with gray hair, and of medium height, who wore a dress of
+black cloth, short enough to show her red stockings with yellow
+clock-work, and her buckled shoes. An enormous bunch of keys attached to
+a steel chain hung at her side. She carried her head high, and looked
+about her with piercing eyes. This was "Fru," or Madame Greta--Maria,
+the lady in charge of the doctor's house, and who was the undisputed
+autocrat of the mansion in everything that pertained to the culinary or
+domestic affairs. Behind her came a little girl, eleven or twelve years
+old, who appeared to Erik like a fairy princess. Instead of the national
+costume, the only one which he had ever seen worn by a child of that
+age, she had on a dress of deep blue velvet, over which her yellow hair
+was allowed to fall loosely. She wore black stockings and satin shoes; a
+knot of cherry-colored ribbon was poised in her hair like a butterfly,
+and gave a little color to her pale cheeks, while her large eyes shone
+with a phosphorescent light.
+
+"How delightful, uncle, to have you back again! Have you had a pleasant
+journey?" she cried, clasping the doctor around the neck. She hardly
+deigned to cast a glance at Erik, who stood modestly aside.
+
+The doctor returned her caresses, and shook hands with his housekeeper,
+then he made a sign for Erik to advance.
+
+"Kajsa, and Dame Greta, I ask your friendship for Erik Hersebom, whom I
+have brought from Norway with me!" he said, "and you, my boy, do not be
+afraid," he said kindly. "Dame Greta is not as severe as she looks, and
+you and my niece Kajsa, will soon be the best of friends, is it not so,
+little girl?" he added, pinching gently the cheek of the little fairy.
+
+Kajsa only responded by making a disdainful face.
+
+As for the housekeeper, she did not appear very enthusiastic over the
+new recruit thus presented to her notice.
+
+"If you please, doctor," she said, with a severe air, as they ascended
+the staircase, "may I ask who this child is?"
+
+"Certainly, Dame Greta; I will tell you all about it before long. Do not
+be afraid; but now, if you please, give us something to eat."
+
+In the "matsal," or dining-room, the table was beautifully laid with
+damask and crystal, and the "snorgas" was ready.
+
+Poor Erik had never seen a table covered with a white cloth, for they
+are unknown to the peasants of Norway, who hardly use plates, as they
+have only recently been introduced, and many of them still eat their
+fish on rounds of black bread, and find it very good. Therefore the
+doctor had to repeat his invitation several times before the boy took
+his seat at the table, and the awkwardness of his movements caused
+"Froken," or Miss Kajsa, to cast upon him more than one ironical glance
+during the repast. However, his journey had sharpened his appetite, and
+this was of great assistance to him.
+
+The "snorgas" was followed by a dinner that would have frightened a
+Frenchman by its massive solidity, and would have sufficed to appease
+the appetites of a battalion of infantry after a long march. Soup, fish,
+home-made bread, goose stuffed with chestnuts, boiled beef, flanked with
+a mountain of vegetables, a pyramid of potatoes, hard-boiled eggs by the
+dozen, and a raisin pudding; all these were gallantly attacked and
+dismantled.
+
+This plentiful repast being ended, almost without a word having been
+spoken, they passed into the parlor, a large wainscoted room, with six
+windows draped with heavy curtains, large enough to have sufficed a
+Parisian artist with hangings for the whole apartment. The doctor seated
+himself in a corner by the fire, in a large leather arm-chair, Kajsa
+took her place at his feet upon a footstool, whilst Erik, intimidated
+and ill at ease, approached one of the windows, and would have gladly
+hidden himself in its deep embrasure.
+
+But the doctor did not leave him alone long.
+
+"Come and warm yourself, my boy!" he said, in his sonorous voice; "and
+tell us what you think of Stockholm."
+
+"The streets are very black and very narrow, and the houses are very
+high," said Erik.
+
+"Yes, a little higher than they are in Norway," answered the doctor,
+laughing.
+
+"They prevent one from seeing the stars!" said the young boy.
+
+"Because we are in the quarter where the nobility live," said Kajsa,
+piqued by his criticisms. "When you pass the bridges the streets are
+broader."
+
+"I saw that as we rode along; but the best of them are not as wide as
+that which borders the fiord of Noroe," answered Erik.
+
+"Ah, ah!" said the doctor, "are you home-sick already?"
+
+"No," answered Erik, resolutely. "I am too much obliged to you, dear
+doctor, for having brought me. But you asked me what I thought of
+Stockholm, and I had to answer."
+
+"Noroe must be a frightful little hole," said Kajsa.
+
+"A frightful little hole!" repeated Erik, indignantly. "Those who say
+that must be without eyes. If you could only see our rocks of granite,
+our mountains, our glaciers, and our forests of pine, looking so black
+against the pale sky! And besides all this, the great sea; sometimes
+tumultuous and terrible, and sometimes so calm as scarcely to rock one;
+and then the flight of the sea-gulls, which are lost in infinitude, and
+then return, to fan you with their wings. Oh, it is beautiful! Yes, far
+more beautiful than a town."
+
+"I was not speaking of the country but of the houses," said Kajsa, "they
+are only peasants' cabins--are they not, uncle?"
+
+"In these peasants' cabins, your father and grandfather as well as
+myself were born, my child," answered the doctor, gravely.
+
+Kajsa blushed and remained silent.
+
+"They are only wooden houses, but they answer as well as any," said
+Erik.
+
+"Often in the evening while my father mends his nets, and my mother is
+busy with her spinning-wheel, we three sit on a little bench, Otto,
+Vanda, and I, and we repeat together the old sagas, while we watch the
+shadows that play upon the ceiling; and when the wind blows outside, and
+all the fishermen are safe at home, it does one good to gather around
+the blazing fire. We are just as happy as if we were in a beautiful room
+like this."
+
+"This is not the best room," said Kajsa proudly. "I must show you the
+grand drawing-room, it is worth seeing!"
+
+"But there are so many books in this one," said Erik, "are there as many
+in the drawing-room?"
+
+"Books--who cares for them? There are velvet armchairs, and sofas, lace
+curtains, a splendid French clock, and carpets from Turkey!"
+
+Erik did not appear to be fascinated by this description, but cast
+envious glances toward the large oaken bookcase, which filled one side
+of the parlor!
+
+"You can go and examine the books, and take any you like," said the
+doctor. Erik did not wait for him to repeat this permission. He chose a
+volume at once, and seating himself in a corner where there was a good
+light, he was soon completely absorbed in his reading. He hardly noticed
+the successive entrance of two old gentlemen, who were intimate friends
+of Dr. Schwaryencrona, and who came almost every evening to play a game
+of whist with him.
+
+The first who arrived was Professor Hochstedt, a large man with cold and
+stately manners, who expressed in polished terms the pleasure which he
+felt at the doctor's safe return. He was scarcely seated in the
+arm-chair which had long borne the name of the "professor's seat," when
+a sharp ring was heard.
+
+"It is Bredejord," exclaimed the two friends simultaneously.
+
+The door soon opened to admit a thin sprightly little man, who entered
+like a gust of wind, seized both the doctor's hands, kissed Kajsa on the
+forehead affectionately, greeted the professor, and cast a glance as
+keen as that of a mouse around the room.
+
+It was the Advocate Bredejord, one of the most illustrious lawyers of
+Stockholm.
+
+"Ha! Who is this?" said he, suddenly, as he beheld Erik.
+
+The doctor tried to explain in as few words as possible.
+
+"What--a young fisherman, or rather a boy from Bergen--and who reads
+Gibbon in English?" he asked. For he saw at a glance what the book was
+which so absorbed the little peasant.
+
+"Does that interest you, my boy?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir, it is a work that I have wanted to read for a long time, the
+first volume of the 'Fall of the Roman Empire,'" answered Erik, simply.
+
+"Upon my word," exclaimed the lawyer, "it appears that the peasants of
+Bergen are fond of serious reading. But are you from Bergen?" he asked.
+
+"I am from Noroe, which is not far from there," answered Erik.
+
+"Ah, have they usually eyes and hair as brown as yours at Noroe?"
+
+"No, sir; my brother and sister, and all the others, are blondes like
+Miss Kajsa. But they are not dressed like her," he added, laughing;
+"therefore they do not look much like her."
+
+"No; I have no doubt of it," said Mr. Bredejord. "Miss Kajsa is a
+product of civilization. And what are you going to do at Stockholm, my
+boy, if I am not too curious?"
+
+"The doctor has been kind enough to offer to send me to school," said
+Erik.
+
+"Ah, ah!" said Mr. Bredejord, tapping his snuff-box with the ends of his
+fingers.
+
+His glance seemed to question the doctor about this living problem; but
+the latter made a sign to him, which was almost imperceptible, not to
+pursue his investigations, and he changed the conversation. They then
+talked about court affairs, the city news, and all that had taken place
+since the departure of the doctor. Then Dame Greta came, and opened the
+card-table, and laid out the cards. Soon silence reigned, while the
+three friends were absorbed in the mysteries of whist.
+
+The doctor made pretension to being a great player, and had no mercy for
+the mistakes of his partners. He exulted loudly when their errors caused
+him to win, and scolded when they made him lose. After every rubber he
+took pleasure in showing the delinquent where he had erred; what card he
+should have led, and which he should have held back. It is generally the
+habit of whist-players, but it is not always conducive to amiability,
+particularly when the victims are the same every evening.
+
+Happily for him, the doctor's two friends never lost their temper. The
+professor was habitually cool, and the lawyer severely skeptical.
+
+"You are right," the first would say gravely, in answer to the most
+severe reproaches.
+
+"My dear Schwaryencrona, you know very well you are only losing your
+time lecturing me," Mr. Bredejord would say, laughing. "All my life I
+have made the greatest blunders whenever I play whist, and the worst of
+it is, I do not improve." What could any one do with two such hardened
+sinners?
+
+The doctor was compelled to discontinue his criticisms, but it was only
+to renew them a quarter of an hour later, for he was incorrigible.
+
+It happened, however, that this evening he lost every game, and his
+consequent ill-humor made his criticisms very severe upon his two
+companions, and even upon the "dummy."
+
+But the professor coolly acknowledged his faults, and the lawyer
+answered his most bitter reproaches by jokes.
+
+"Why should I alter my play, when I win by playing badly, and you lose
+by following your correct rules?" he said to the doctor.
+
+They played until ten o'clock. Then Kajsa made the tea in a magnificent
+"samovar," and served it with pretty gracefulness; then she discreetly
+disappeared. Soon Dame Greta appeared, and, calling Erik, she conducted
+him to the apartment which had been prepared for him. It was a pretty
+little room, clean and well furnished, on the second floor.
+
+The three friends were now left alone.
+
+"Now, at last, you can tell us who this young fisherman from Noroe is,
+who reads Gibbon in the original text?" said Mr. Bredejord, as he put
+some sugar into his second cup of tea. "Or is it a forbidden subject,
+which it is indiscreet for me to mention?"
+
+"There is nothing mysterious about the matter, and I will willingly tell
+you Erik's history, for I know that I can rely upon your discretion,"
+answered Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+"Ah! I knew that he had a history," said the lawyer, seating himself
+comfortably in his arm-chair. "We will listen, dear doctor. I assure you
+that your confidence will not be misplaced. I confess this youth arouses
+my curiosity like a problem."
+
+"He is, indeed, a living problem," answered the doctor, flattered by the
+curiosity of his friend. "A problem which I hope to be able to solve.
+But I must tell you all about it, and see if you think as I do."
+
+The doctor settled himself comfortably, and began by telling them that
+he had been struck by Erik's appearance in the school at Noroe, and by
+his unusual intelligence. He had made inquiries about him, and he
+related all that Mr. Malarius and Mr. Hersebom had told. He omitted none
+of the details. He spoke of the buoy, of the name of "Cynthia," of the
+little garments which Dame Katrina had shown him, of the coral ornament,
+of the device upon it, and of the character of the letters.
+
+"You are now in possession of all the facts as far as I have been able
+to learn them," he said. "And you must bear in mind that the
+extraordinary ability of the child is only a secondary phenomenon, and
+largely due to the interest with which Mr. Malarius has always regarded
+him, and of which he has made the best use. It was his unusual
+acquirements which first drew my attention to him and led me to make
+inquiries about him. But in reality this has little connection with the
+questions which now occupy me, which are: where did this child come
+from, and what course would it be best for me to take in order to
+discover his family? We have only two facts to guide us in this search.
+First: The physical indications of the race to which the child belongs.
+Second: The name 'Cynthia,' which was engraved on the buoy.
+
+"As to the first fact, there can be no doubt; the child belongs to the
+Celtic race. He presents the type of a Celt in all its beauty and
+purity.
+
+"Let us pass to the second fact:
+
+"'Cynthia' is certainly the name of the vessel to which the buoy
+belonged. This name might have belonged to a German vessel, as well as
+to an English one; but it was written in the Roman characters.
+Therefore, the vessel was an English one--or we will say Anglo-Saxon to
+be more precise. Besides, everything confirms the hypothesis, for more
+than one English vessel going and coming from Inverness, or the Orkneys,
+have been driven on the coast of Norway by a tempest; and you must not
+forget that the little living waif could not have been floating for a
+long while, since he had resisted hunger, and all the dangers of his
+perilous journey. Well, now you know all, and what is your conclusion my
+dear friends?"
+
+Neither the professor nor the lawyer thought it prudent to utter a word.
+
+"You have not been able to arrive at any conclusion," said the doctor,
+in a tone which betrayed a secret triumph. "Perhaps you even think there
+is a contradiction between the two facts--a child of the Celtic race--an
+English Vessel. But this is simply because you have failed to bear in
+mind the existence on the coast of Great Britain of a people of the
+Celtic race, on her sister island, Ireland. I did not think of it at
+first myself, and it prevented me from solving the problem. But when it
+occurred to me, I said to myself: the child is Irish. Is this your
+opinion, Hochstedt?"
+
+If there was anything in the world the professor disliked, it was to
+give a positive opinion upon any subject. It must also be confessed that
+to give such an opinion in this case would have been premature. He
+therefore contented himself with nodding his head, and saying:
+
+"It is an incontestable fact that the Irish belong to the Celtic branch
+of the Arian race."
+
+This was a sufficiently safe aphorism, but Doctor Schwaryencrona asked
+nothing more, and only saw in it the entire confirmation of his theory.
+
+"You think so, yourself," he said eagerly. "The Irish were Celts, and
+the child has all the characteristics of the race. The 'Cynthia' having
+been an English vessel, it appears to me that we are in possession of
+the necessary links, in order to find the family of the poor child. It
+is in Great Britain that we must look for them. Some advertisements in
+the 'Times' will probably be sufficient to put us on their tracks."
+
+The doctor continued to enlarge upon his plan of proceeding, when he
+remarked the obstinate silence of the lawyer and the slightly ironical
+expression with which he listened to his conclusions.
+
+"If you are not of my opinion, Bredejord, I wish you would say so. You
+know that I do not fear to discuss the matter," he said, stopping short.
+
+"I have nothing to say," answered Mr. Bredejord. "Hochstedt can bear
+witness that I have said nothing."
+
+"No. But I see very well that you do not share my opinion; and I am
+curious to know why," said the doctor.
+
+"Is Cynthia an English name?" he asked, with vehemence. "Yes! it was
+written in Roman characters--it could not have been German. You have
+heard our eminent friend, Hochstedt, affirm that the Irish are Celts.
+Has the child all the characteristics of the Celtic race? You can judge
+for yourself. You were struck by his appearance before I opened my mouth
+about the subject. I conclude, therefore, that it is a want of
+friendship for you to refuse to agree with me, and recognize the fact
+that the boy belongs to an Irish family."
+
+"Want of friendship is a strong charge," answered Mr. Bredejord, "if you
+apply it to me. I can only say that I have not, as yet, expressed the
+slightest opinion."
+
+"No; but I see that you do not spare mine."
+
+"Have I not a right?"
+
+"But give some facts to support your theory."
+
+"I have not said that I have formed any."
+
+"Then it is a systematic opposition, just for the sake of contradicting
+me, as you do in whist."
+
+"Nothing is further from my thoughts, I assure you. Your reasoning
+appeared to me to be too peremptory, that is all."
+
+"In what way, if you please, I am curious to know?"
+
+"It would take too long to tell you. Eleven o'clock is striking. I will
+content myself with offering you a bet. Your copy of Pliny against my
+Quintilian, that you have not judged rightly, and that the child is not
+Irish."
+
+"You know that I do not like to bet," said the doctor, softened by his
+unconquerable good humor. "But I shall take so much pleasure in your
+discomfiture that I accept your offer."
+
+"Well, then it is a settled affair. How much time do you expect to take
+for your researches?"
+
+"A few months will suffice, I hope, but I have said two years to
+Hersebom, in order to be sure that no efforts were wanting."
+
+"Ah! well--I give you two years. Hochstedt shall be our witness; and
+there is no ill-feeling, I hope?"
+
+"Assuredly not, but I see your Quintilian in great danger of coming to
+keep company with my Pliny," answered the doctor.
+
+Then, after shaking hands with his two friends, he accompanied them to
+the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE THIRTEEN DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.
+
+
+The next day Erik began his new life at school.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona first took him to his tailors, and fitted him out
+with some new suits of clothes; then he introduced him to the principal
+of one of the best schools in town. It was called in Swedish "Hogre
+elementar larovek."
+
+In this school were taught the ancient and modern languages, the
+elementary sciences, and all that it was necessary to learn before
+entering college. As in Germany and Italy, the students did not board in
+the college. They lived with their families in the town, with the
+professors, or wherever they could obtain comfortable accommodations.
+The charges are very moderate; in fact, they have been reduced almost to
+nothing. Large gymnasiums are attached to each of the higher classes,
+and physical culture is as carefully attended to as the intellectual.
+
+Erik at once gained the head of his division. He learned everything with
+such extreme facility that he had a great deal of time to himself. The
+doctor therefore thought that it would be better for him to utilize his
+evenings by taking a course at the "Slodjskolan," the great industrial
+school of Stockholm. It was an establishment especially devoted to the
+practice of the sciences, particularly to making experiments in physics
+and chemistry, and to geometrical constructions which are only taught
+theoretically in the schools.
+
+Doctor Schwaryencrona judged rightly that the teachings of this school,
+which was one of the wonders of Stockholm, would give a new impetus to
+the rapid progress which Erik was making, and he hoped for great results
+from this double training.
+
+His young _protege_, proved worthy of the advantages which he procured
+for him. He penetrated the depths of the fundamental sciences, and
+instead of vague and superficial ideas, the ordinary lot of so many
+pupils, he stored up a provision of just, precise, and definite facts.
+The future development of these excellent principles could only be a
+question of time.
+
+Hereafter he would be able to learn without difficulty the more elevated
+branches of these studies which would be required in college; in fact it
+would be only play to him.
+
+The same service which Mr. Malarius had rendered him, in teaching him
+languages, history, and botany, the "Slodjskolan" now did for him by
+inculcating the A, B, C, of the industrial arts; without which the best
+teaching so often remains a dead letter.
+
+Far from fatiguing Erik's brain, the multiplicity and variety of his
+studies strengthened it much more than a special course of instruction
+could have done.
+
+Besides, the gymnasium was always open to him to recruit his body when
+his studies were over; and here as well as in the school Erik stood
+first. On holidays he never failed to pay a visit to the sea which he
+loved with filial tenderness. He talked with the sailors and fishermen,
+and often brought home a fine fish, which was well received by Dame
+Greta.
+
+This good woman had conceived a great affection for this new member of
+the household. Erik was so gentle, and naturally so courteous and
+obliging, so studious and so brave, that it was impossible to know him
+and not to like him. In eight days he had become a favorite with Mr.
+Bredejord and Mr. Hochstedt, as he was already with Doctor
+Schwaryencrona.
+
+The only person who treated him with coldness was Kajsa. Whether the
+little fairy thought that her hitherto undisputed sovereignty in the
+house was in danger, or whether she bore Erik a grudge, because of the
+sarcasms which her aristocratic air toward him inspired in the doctor,
+nobody knew. However, she persisted in treating him with a disdainful
+coldness, which no courtesy or politeness on his part could overcome.
+Her opportunities of displaying her disdain were fortunately rare, for
+Erik was always either out-of-doors, or else busy in his own little
+room.
+
+Time passed in the most peaceful manner, and without any notable
+incidents.
+
+We will pass with our reader without further comment over the two years
+which Erik spent at school and return to Noroe.
+
+Christmas had returned for the second time since Erik's departure. It is
+in all Central and Northern Europe the great annual festival; because it
+is coincident with the dull season in nearly all industries. In Norway
+especially, they prolong the festival for thirteen days.--"Tretten yule
+dage" (the thirteen days of Christmas), and they make it a season of
+great rejoicings. It is a time for family reunions, for dinners, and
+even for weddings.
+
+Provisions are abundant, even in the poorest dwellings. Everywhere the
+greatest hospitality is the order of the day.
+
+The "Yule ol," or Christmas beer, is drunk freely. Every visitor is
+offered a bumper in a wooden cup, mounted in gold, silver, or copper,
+which the poorest families possess, and which cups have been transmitted
+to them from time immemorial. The visitor must empty this cup, and
+exchange with his hosts the joyful wishes of the season, and for a happy
+New Year.
+
+It is also at Christmas that the servants receive their new clothes;
+which are often the best part of their wages--that the cows, and sheep,
+and even the birds of the air, receive a double ration, which is
+exceptionally large. They say in Norway of a "poor man," that he is so
+poor that he can not even give the sparrows their dinner at Christmas.
+
+Of these thirteen traditional days, Christmas-eve is the gayest. It is
+the custom for the young girls and boys to go around in bands on their
+"schnee-schuhe," or snow-shoes, and stop before the houses, and sing in
+chorus the old national melodies. The clear voices suddenly sounding
+through the fresh night air, in the lonely valleys, with their wintery
+surroundings, have an odd and charming effect. The doors are immediately
+opened, the singers are invited to enter, and they offer them cake,
+dried apples, and ale; and often make them dance. After this frugal
+supper the joyous band depart, like a flock of gulls, to perform the
+same ceremony further away. Distances are regarded as nothing, for on
+their "schnee-schuhe," which are attached to their feet by leather
+straps, they glide over several miles with marvelous rapidity. The
+peasants of Norway also use, with these show-shoes, a strong stick, to
+balance themselves, and help them along. This year the festival would be
+a joyous one for the Herseboms. They were expecting Erik.
+
+A letter from Stockholm had announced that he would arrive that evening.
+Therefore Otto and Vanda could not sit still. Every moment they ran to
+the door, to see if he was coming. Dame Katrina, although she reproved
+them for their impatience, felt in the same way herself. Mr. Hersebom
+smoked his pipe silently, and was divided in his mind between a longing
+to see his adopted son, and the fear that he would not be able to keep
+him with them very long.
+
+For the fiftieth time, perhaps, Otto had gone to the door, when he gave
+a shout and cried out:
+
+"Mother! Vanda! I believe it is he!"
+
+They all rushed to the door. In the distance, on the road which led from
+Bergen, they saw a black object. It grew larger rapidly, and soon took
+the shape of a young man, clothed in gray cloth, wearing a fur cap, and
+carrying merrily over his shoulders a knapsack of green leather. He had
+on snow-shoes, and would soon be near enough to recognize.
+
+The traveler perceived those who were watching before the door, and
+taking off his cap, he waved it around his head.
+
+Two minutes later Erick was in the arms of Katrina, Otto, Vanda, and
+even Mr. Hersebom, who had left his arm-chair and advanced to the door.
+
+They hugged him, and almost stifled him with caresses. They went into
+ecstasies over his improved appearance. Dame Katrina among them all
+could not get accustomed to it.
+
+"What--is this the dear babe that I nursed on my knees?" she cried.
+"This great boy, with such a frank and resolute air, with these strong
+shoulders, this elegant form, and on whose lip I can already see signs
+of a mustache. Is it possible?"
+
+The brave woman was conscious of feeling a sort of respect for her
+former nursling. She was proud of him, above all for the tears of joy
+which she saw in his eyes. For he also was deeply affected.
+
+"Mother, is it really you," he exclaimed. "I can hardly believe that I
+am with you all again. The two years have seemed so long to me. I have
+missed you all, as I know you have missed me."
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Hersebom, gravely. "Not a day has passed without our
+having spoken of you. Morning and evening, and at meal times, it was
+your name that was constantly on our lips. But you, my boy, you have not
+forgotten us in the grand city? You are contented to return and see the
+old country and the old house?"
+
+"I am sure that you do not doubt it," said Erik, as he embraced them
+all. "You were always in my thoughts. But above all when the wind blew a
+gale. I thought of you, father. I said to myself, Where is he? Has he
+returned home in safety? And in the evening I used to read the
+meteorological bulletin in the doctor's newspaper, to see what kind of
+weather you had had on the coast of Norway; if it was the same as on the
+coast of Sweden?--and I found that you have severe storms more often
+than we have in Stockholm, which come from America, and beat on our
+mountains. Ah! how often I have wished that I could be with you in your
+little boat to help you with the sail, and overcome all difficulties.
+And on the other hand when the weather was fine it seemed to me as if I
+was in prison in that great city, between the tall three-story houses.
+Yes! I would have given all the world to be on the sea for one hour, and
+to feel as formerly free, and joyfully exhilarated by the fresh air!"
+
+A smile brightened the weather-beaten face of the fisherman.
+
+"His books have not spoiled him," he said. "A joyful season and a happy
+New-Year to you, my child!" he added. "Come, let us go to the table.
+Dinner is only waiting for you."
+
+When he was once more seated in his old place on the right hand of
+Katrina, Erik was able to look around him, and mark the changes that two
+years had made in the family. Otto was now a large, robust boy of
+sixteen years of age, and who looked twenty. As for Vanda, two years had
+added wonderfully to her size and beauty. Her countenance had become
+more refined. Her magnificent blonde hair, which lay in heavy braids
+upon her shoulders, formed around her forehead a light silvery cloud.
+Modest and sweet as usual, she busied herself, almost unconsciously,
+with seeing that no one wanted for anything.
+
+"Vanda has grown to be a great girl!" said her mother, proudly. "And if
+you knew, Erik, how learned she has become, how hard she has worked and
+studied since you left us! She is the best scholar in the school now,
+and Mr. Malarius says she is his only consolation for no longer having
+you among his pupils."
+
+"Dear Mr. Malarius! how glad I shall be to see him again," said Erik.
+"So our Vanda has become so learned, has she?" he replied with interest,
+while the young girl blushed up to the roots of her hair at these
+maternal praises.
+
+"She has learned to play the organ also, and Mr. Malarius says that she
+has the sweetest voice of all the choir?"
+
+"Oh, decidedly, it is a very accomplished young person whom I find on my
+return," Erik said, laughing, to relieve the embarrassment of his
+sister. "We must make her display all her talents to-morrow."
+
+And without affectation he began to talk about all the good people of
+Noroe, asking questions about each one; inquiring for his old
+school-mates, and about all that had happened since he went away. He
+asked about their fishing adventures, and all the details of their daily
+life. Then on his part, he satisfied the curiosity of his family, by
+giving an account of his mode of life in Stockholm; he told them about
+Dame Greta, about Kajsa, and the doctor.
+
+"That reminds me that I have a letter for you, father," he said, drawing
+it out of the inside pocket of his vest. "I do not know what it
+contains, but the doctor told me to take good care of it, for it was
+about me."
+
+Mr. Hersebom took the letter, and laid it on the table by his side.
+
+"Well!" said Erik, "are you not going to read it?"
+
+"No," answered the fisherman, laconically.
+
+"But, since it concerns me?" persisted the young man.
+
+"It is addressed to me," said Mr. Hersebom, holding the letter before
+his eyes. "Yes, I will read it at my leisure." Filial obedience is the
+basis of family government in Norway.
+
+Erik bowed his head in acquiescence.
+
+When they rose from the table, the three children seated themselves on
+their little bench in the chimney-corner, as they had so often done
+before, and began one of those confidential conversations, where each
+one relates what the other is curious to know, and where they tell the
+same things a hundred times.
+
+Katrina busied herself about the room, putting everything in order;
+insisting that Vanda should for once "play the lady," as she said, and
+not trouble herself about household matters.
+
+As for Mr. Hersebom, he had seated himself in his favorite arm-chair,
+and was smoking his pipe in silence. It was only after he had finished
+this important operation that he decided to open the doctor's letter.
+
+He read it through without saying a single word; then he folded it up,
+put it in his pocket, and smoked a second pipe, like the first, without
+uttering a sound. He seemed to be absorbed in his own reflections.
+
+Although he was never a talkative man, his silence appeared singular to
+Dame Katrina. After she had finished her work, she went and seated
+herself beside him, and made two or three attempts to draw him into
+conversation, but she only received the most brief replies. Being thus
+repulsed, she became melancholy, and the children themselves, after
+talking breathlessly for some time, began to be affected by the evident
+sadness of their parents.
+
+Twenty youthful voices singing in chorus before the door suddenly
+greeted their ears, and made a happy diversion. It was a merry band of
+Erik's old classmates, who had conceived the pleasant idea of coming to
+give him a cordial welcome home.
+
+They hastened to invite them into the house, and offered them the
+customary feast, whilst they eagerly pressed around their old friend to
+express the great pleasure which they felt in seeing him again. Erik was
+touched by the unexpected visit of the friends of his childhood, and was
+anxious to go with them on their Christmas journey, and Vanda and Otto
+also were, naturally, eager to be of the party. Dame Katrina charged
+them not to go too far, but to bring their brother back early, as he
+needed rest after his journey.
+
+The door was hardly closed upon them, when she resumed her seat beside
+her husband.
+
+"Well, has the doctor discovered anything?" she asked, anxiously.
+
+Instead of answering, Mr. Hersebom took the letter from his pocket, and
+read it aloud, but not without hesitating over some words which were
+strange to him:
+
+     "MY DEAR HERSEBOM," wrote the doctor, "it is now two years since
+     you intrusted your dear child to my care, and every day I have had
+     renewed pleasure in watching his progress in all the studies that
+     he has undertaken. His intelligence is as remarkable as his heart
+     is generous. Erik is truly one of nature's nobleman, and the
+     parents who have lost such a son, if they knew the extent of their
+     misfortune, would be objects of pity. But it is very doubtful
+     whether his parents are still living. As we agreed, I have spared
+     no efforts to discover them. I have written to several persons in
+     England who have an agency for making special researches. I have
+     had advertisements inserted in twenty different newspapers,
+     English, Irish, and Scotch. Not the least ray of light has been
+     thrown upon this mystery, and I have to confess that all the
+     information which I have succeeded in procuring has rather tended
+     to deepen the mystery.
+
+     "The name 'Cynthia,' I find in very common use in the English navy.
+     From Lloyd's office, they inform me, that there are seventeen
+     ships, of different tonnage, bearing this name. Some of these ships
+     belong to English ports, and some to Scotland and Ireland. My
+     supposition concerning the nationality of the child is therefore
+     confirmed, and it becomes more and more evident to me that Erik is
+     of Irish parentage. I do not know whether you agree with me on this
+     point, but I have already mentioned it to two of my most intimate
+     friends in Stockholm, and everything seems to confirm it.
+
+     "Whether this Irish family are all dead, or whether they have some
+     interest in remaining unknown, I have not been able to discover any
+     trace of them.
+
+     "Another singular circumstance, and which I also think looks still
+     more suspicious, is the fact that no shipwreck registered at
+     Lloyd's, or at any of the marine insurance companies, corresponds
+     with the date of the infant's arrival on your coast. Two vessels
+     named 'Cynthia' have been lost, it is true, during this century;
+     but one was in the Indian Ocean, thirty-two years ago, and the
+     other was in sight of Portsmouth eighteen years ago.
+
+     "We are therefore obliged to conclude that the infant was not the
+     victim of a shipwreck.
+
+     "Doubtless he was intentionally exposed to the mercy of the waves.
+     This would explain why all my inquiries have been fruitless.
+
+     "Be this as it may, after having questioned successively all the
+     proprietors of the vessels bearing the name of 'Cynthia,' without
+     obtaining any information, and after exhausting all known means of
+     pursuing my investigations, I have been compelled to conclude that
+     there is no hope of discovering Erik's family.
+
+     "The question that arises for us to decide, my dear Hersebom, and
+     particularly for you, is what we ought to say to the boy, and what
+     we ought to do for him.
+
+     "If I were in your place, I should now tell him all the facts about
+     himself which affect him so nearly, and leave him free to choose
+     his own path in life. You know we agreed to adopt this course if my
+     efforts should prove unsuccessful. The time has come for you to
+     keep your word. I have wished to leave it to you to relate all this
+     to Erik. He is returning to Noroe still ignorant that he is not
+     your son, and he does not know whether he is to return to Stockholm
+     or remain with you. It is for you to tell him.
+
+     "Remember, if you refuse to fulfill this duty, Erik would have the
+     right some day, perhaps, to be astonished at you. Recall to mind
+     also that he is a boy of too remarkable abilities to be condemned
+     to an obscure and illiterate life. Such a sentence would have been
+     unmerited two years ago, and now, after his brilliant career at
+     Stockholm, it would be positively unjustifiable.
+
+     "I therefore renew my offer: let him return to me and finish his
+     studies, and take at Upsal the degree of Doctor of Medicine. I will
+     continue to provide for him as if he were my own son, and he has
+     only to go on and win honors and a fortune.
+
+     "I know that, in addressing you and the excellent adopted mother of
+     Erik, I leave his future in good hands. No personal consideration,
+     I am sure, will prevent you from accepting my offer. Take Mr.
+     Malarius' advice in this matter.
+
+     "While awaiting your reply, Mr. Hersebom, I greet you
+     affectionately, and I beg you to remember me most kindly to your
+     worthy wife and children.
+
+     "R.W. SCHWARYENCRONA, M.D."
+
+When the fisherman had finished reading this letter, Dame Katrina, who
+had been silently weeping while she listened to it, asked him what he
+intended to do.
+
+"My duty is very clear," he said. "I shall tell the boy everything."
+
+"That is my opinion also; it must be done, or we should never have
+another peaceful moment," she murmured, as she dried her eyes.
+
+Then they both relapsed into silence.
+
+It was past midnight when the three children returned from their
+expedition. Their cheeks were rosy, and their eyes shone with pleasure
+from their walk in the fresh air. They seated themselves around the fire
+to finish gayly their Christmas-eve by eating a last cake before the
+enormous log which looked like a burning cavern.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ERIK'S DECISION.
+
+
+The next day the fisherman called Erik to him, and in the presence of
+Katrina, Otto, and Vanda, spoke to him as follows:
+
+"Erik, the letter of Doctor Schwaryencrona was about you. He writes that
+you have given entire satisfaction to your teachers, and the doctor
+offers to pay all the expenses of your education, if you wish to
+continue your studies. But this letter also requires you to decide for
+yourself, whether you will accept this offer, or remain with us at
+Noroe, which we would like so much to have you do, as you no doubt know.
+But before you make up your mind, I must tell you a great secret, a
+secret that my wife and I would have preferred to keep to ourselves."
+
+At this moment Dame Katrina could not restrain her tears, and, sobbing,
+she took the hand of Erik and pressed it to her heart, as if protesting
+against the information which the young man was now to hear.
+
+"This secret," continued Mr. Hersebom, in a strangely altered voice, "is
+that you are our son only by adoption. I found you on the sea, my child,
+and brought you home when you were only eight or nine months old. God is
+my witness that we never intended to tell you this, and neither my wife
+nor myself have ever made the least difference between you, and Otto,
+and Vanda. But Doctor Schwaryencrona requires us to do so. Therefore, I
+wish you to read what he has written to me."
+
+Erik had suddenly become deadly pale. Otto and Vanda, surprised at what
+they had heard, both uttered a cry of astonishment. Then they put their
+arms around Erik, and clung closely to him, one on the right, and the
+other on the left.
+
+Then Erik took the doctor's letter, and without trying to conceal his
+emotion, he read what he had written to Mr. Hersebom.
+
+The fisherman then told him all the facts about himself. He explained
+how Dr. Schwaryencrona had undertaken to try and discover the family to
+which he belonged; and, also, that he had been unsuccessful. How, that
+but for his advice and suggestions, they would never have thought of
+doing so. Then Dame Katrina arose, and going to the oaken chest, brought
+out the garments that the baby had worn, and showed him also the coral
+which had been fastened around his neck. The story was naturally so full
+of dramatic interest to the children, that they forgot for a time, at
+least, how sad it was. They looked with wonder at the lace, and velvet,
+the golden setting of the coral, and the inscription. It almost seemed
+to them as if they were taking part in some fairy tale. The
+impossibility of obtaining any information, as reported by the doctor,
+only made them regard these articles as almost sacred.
+
+Erik looked at them as if he were in a dream, and his thoughts flew to
+the unknown mother, who, without doubt, had herself dressed him in these
+little garments, and more than once shook the coral before the eyes of
+the baby to make him smile. It seemed to him when he touched them as if
+he held direct communion with her through time and space.
+
+But where was this mother? Was she still living, or had she perished?
+Was she weeping for her lost son, or must the son, on the contrary,
+think of her as forever lost to him?
+
+He remained for some minutes absorbed in these reflections, with his
+head bent, but a word from Dame Katrina recalled him to himself.
+
+"Erik, you are always our child," she cried, disturbed by his silence.
+
+The eyes of the young man as he looked around him fell on all their
+loving countenances--the maternal look of the loving wife, the honest
+face of Mr. Hersebom, that of Otto even more affectionate than usual,
+and that of Vanda, serious and troubled. As he read the tenderness and
+disquietude displayed on all their faces, Erik felt as if his heart was
+melting within him. In a moment he realized his situation, and saw
+vividly the scene which his father had described. The cradle abandoned
+to the mercy of the waves, rescued by the hardy fisherman, and carried
+to his wife; and these people, humble and poor as they were, had not
+hesitated to take care of the little stranger, to adopt and cherish him
+as their own son. They had not spoken of the matter for fourteen years,
+and now they were hanging on his words as if they were a matter of life
+and death to them.
+
+All this touched him so deeply that suddenly his tears came. An
+irresistible feeling of love and gratitude overwhelmed him. He felt
+eager on his part to repay by some devotion the tenderness which they
+had shown to him. He resolved to stay with them at Noroe forever, and
+content himself with their humble lot, while he endeavored to do
+everything in his power to repay them.
+
+"Mother," said he, throwing himself into Katrina's arms, "do you think
+that I can hesitate, now that I know all? We will write to the doctor,
+and thank him for his kind offer, and tell him that I have chosen to
+remain with you. I will be a fisherman, like you, father, and like Otto.
+Since you have given me a place at your fireside, I would prefer to
+retain it. Since you have nourished me by the labor of your hands, I ask
+to be allowed to repay you in your old age for your generosity toward me
+when I was a helpless infant."
+
+"God be praised!" cried Dame Katrina, pressing Erik to her heart in a
+transport of joy and tenderness.
+
+"I knew that the child would prefer the sea to all their books," said
+Mr. Hersebom, not understanding the sacrifice that Erik's decision would
+be to him.
+
+"Come, the matter is settled. We will not talk about it any more, but
+only try to enjoy this good festival of Christmas!"
+
+They all embraced each other, with eyes humid with happiness, and vowed
+they would never be separated.
+
+When Erik was alone he could not help a stifled sigh, as he thought
+about all his former dreams of work, and of the career which he had
+renounced. But still he experienced at the same time a joy which he
+believed would repay him for the sacrifice.
+
+"Since it is the wish of my adopted parents," he said to himself, "the
+rest does not signify. I ought to be willing to work for them in the
+sphere and condition where their devotion has placed me. If I have
+sometimes felt ambitious to take a higher position in the world, was it
+not that I might be able to assist them? Since it makes them happy to
+have me with them, and as they desire nothing better than their present
+life, I must try to be contented, and endeavor by good conduct and hard
+work to give them satisfaction. Adieu, then, to my books."
+
+Thus he mused, and soon his thoughts returned to the time when the
+fisherman had found him floating in his little cradle on the waves. What
+country did he belong to? Who were his parents? Were they still alive?
+Had he in some foreign country brothers and sisters whom he would never
+know?
+
+Christmas had also been in Dr. Schwaryencrona's house in Stockholm a
+season of great festivity. It was at this time, as the reader doubtless
+remembers, that they had agreed to decide the bet between him and Mr.
+Bredejord, and that Professor Hochstedt was to be the umpire.
+
+For two years not a word had been said by either of them about this bet.
+The doctor had been patiently pursuing his researches in England,
+writing to the maritime agencies, and multiplying his advertisements in
+the newspapers; but he had taken care not to confess that his efforts
+had been fruitless.
+
+As for Mr. Bredejord, he had had the good taste to avoid all allusion to
+the subject, and contented himself with occasionally admiring the
+beautiful binding of the Pliny which was displayed in the doctor's
+book-case.
+
+But when he struck his snuff-box sharply with the ends
+of his fingers, while he looked at the book, the doctor correctly
+interpreted the pantomime, which was a shock to his nerves, and said to
+himself:
+
+"Oh, yes; he is thinking how well the Pliny will look beside his elegant
+editions of Quintilian and Horace."
+
+On these evenings he was more merciless than ever, if his unfortunate
+partner made any mistakes at whist.
+
+But time had taken its flight, and he was now obliged to submit the
+question to the impartial arbitration of Professor Hochstedt.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona approached the subject frankly. Kajsa had hardly left
+him alone with his two friends when he confessed to them, as he had
+confessed in his letter to Mr. Hersebom, that his investigations had
+been without result. Nothing had occurred to throw any light on the
+mystery which surrounded Erik's origin, and the doctor in all sincerity
+declared that the problem was thought by him to be insolvable.
+
+"But," he continued, "I should be doing myself an injustice if I did not
+declare with equal sincerity that I do not believe that I have lost my
+bet. I have not discovered Erik's family, it is true, but all the
+information that I have been able to obtain corroborates the conclusion
+which I had arrived at. The 'Cynthia' was, no doubt, an English vessel,
+for there are at least seventeen ships bearing this name registered at
+Lloyd's. As for ethnographical characteristics, they are clearly Celtic.
+My hypothesis, therefore, as to the nationality of Erik is victoriously
+confirmed. I am more than ever certain that he is of Irish extraction as
+I at first surmised. But I can not compel his family to come forward and
+acknowledge him, if they have any reasons of their own for wishing him
+to continue lost to them. This is all I have to say, my dear Hochstedt;
+and now you must be the judge as to whether the Quintilian of our friend
+Bredejord should not legitimately be transferred to my book-case!"
+
+At these words, which seemed to occasion a strong inclination to laugh,
+the lawyer fell back in his arm-chair, raised his hands as if in
+protestation, then he fixed his brilliant eyes upon Professor Hochstedt
+to see how he would regard the matter. The professor did not betray the
+embarrassment which might have been expected. He would have certainly
+felt miserable if the doctor had urged any incontrovertible argument,
+which would have compelled him to decide in favor of one or the other.
+His prudent character led him to speak in indefinite terms. He excelled
+in presenting, one after the other, both sides of a question, and he
+reveled in his vagaries, like a fish in water. Therefore, this evening
+he felt quite equal to the situation.
+
+"The fact is incontestable," he said, shaking his head, "that there are
+seventeen English vessels bearing the name of 'Cynthia,' and this seems
+to favor the conclusion arrived at by our eminent friend. The
+characteristic traits also have assuredly great weight, and I do not
+hesitate to say that they appear to me to be quite conclusive. I do not
+hesitate to confess that if I were called upon to give an opinion as to
+Erik's nationality, I should say that he was Irish. But to decide the
+bet in question we require something more than probabilities; we must
+have facts to guide us. The chances so far greatly favor the opinion of
+Dr. Schwaryencrona, but Bredejord can allege that nothing has actually
+been proved. I see, therefore, no sufficient reason for declaring that
+the Quintilian has been won by the doctor; neither can I say that the
+professor has lost his Pliny. In my opinion, as the question remains
+undecided, it ought to be annulled, which is the best thing to do in
+such a case."
+
+The doctor's face clearly betrayed his dissatisfaction. As for Mr.
+Bredejord he leaped to his feet, saying:
+
+"Your argument is a beautiful one, my dear Hochstedt, but I think you
+are hasty in your conclusions. Schwaryencrona, you say, has not verified
+his opinions sufficiently for you to say positively that he has won the
+bet, although you think that all the probabilities are in his favor.
+What will you say then, if I prove to you immediately that the 'Cynthia'
+was not an English vessel at all?"
+
+"What would I say?" said the professor, somewhat troubled by this sudden
+attack. "Upon my word I do not know. I would have to consider the
+question in a different aspect."
+
+"Examine it then at your leisure," answered the advocate, thrusting his
+hand into the inner pocket of his coat, and taking out a case from which
+he selected a letter inclosed in one of those yellow envelopes, which
+betray at the first glance their American origin.
+
+"This is a document which you can not controvert," he added, placing the
+letter before the doctor's eyes, who read aloud:
+
+     "_To Mr. Bredejord, Stockholm._
+
+     "NEW YORK, October 27th.
+
+     "SIR,--In reply to your letter of the 5th instant, I hasten to
+     write you the following facts:--
+
+     "1st.--A vessel named 'Cynthia,' commanded by Captain Barton, and
+     the property of the Canadian General Transportation Company, was
+     lost, with her cargo and all on board, just fourteen years ago, in
+     the neighborhood of the Faroe Islands.
+
+     "2d.--This vessel was insured in the General Steam Navigation
+     Company of New York for the sum of eight hundred thousand dollars.
+
+     "3d.--The disappearance of the 'Cynthia' having remained
+     unexplained, and the causes of the sad accident never having been
+     clearly proved to the satisfaction of the insurance company, a
+     lawsuit ensued, which was lost by the proprietors of the said
+     vessel.
+
+     "4th.--The loss of this lawsuit occasioned the dissolution of the
+     Canadian General Transportation Company, which has ceased to exist
+     for the last eleven years, having gone into liquidation. While
+     waiting to hear from you again, I beg of you, sir, to accept our
+     sincere salutations.
+
+     "JEREMIAH SMITH, WALKER & CO.,
+     "Maritime Agents."
+
+"Well, what do you say to that?" asked Mr. Bredejord, when the doctor
+had finished reading the letter. "It is a document of some value, I
+think. Do you agree with me?"
+
+"I quite agree with you," answered the doctor. "How did you procure it?"
+
+"In the simplest way in the world. That evening when you spoke to me
+about the 'Cynthia' being necessarily an English vessel, I thought that
+you were taking too limited a field for your researches, and that the
+vessel might be an American one. When time passed, and you received no
+intelligence, for you would have told us if you had, the idea occurred
+to me of writing to New York. The third letter brought the result which
+you have before you. The affair is no longer a complicated one. Do you
+not think that it assures to me beyond contest the possession of your
+Pliny?"
+
+"It appears to me to be rather a forced conclusion," replied the doctor,
+taking the letter and reading it over again, to see if he could find any
+new arguments to support his theory.
+
+"How forced?" cried the advocate.
+
+"I have proved to you that the vessel was an American one, and that she
+was lost off the Faroe Islands, that is to say, near the coast of
+Norway, precisely at the time which corresponds to the arrival of the
+infant, and still you are not convinced of your error."
+
+"Not in the least, my dear friend. I do not dispute the value or your
+document. You have discovered what I have found it impossible to do--the
+true 'Cynthia,' which was lost at a little distance from our coast, and
+at a specified epoch; but permit me to say, that this only confirms
+precisely my theory, for the vessel was a Canadian one, or in other
+words, English, and the Irish element is very strong in some parts of
+Canada, and I have therefore more reason than ever for being sure that
+the child is of Irish origin."
+
+"Ah, is that what you find in my letter?" said Mr. Bredejord, more vexed
+than he was willing to appear to be. "Then without doubt you persist in
+believing that you have not lost your Pliny?"
+
+"Assuredly!"
+
+"Perhaps you think you have a right to my Quintilian?"
+
+"I hope in any case to be able to prove my right, thanks to your
+discovery, if you will only give me time by renewing the bet."
+
+"I am willing. I ask nothing better. How much time do you want?"
+
+"Let us take two more years, and wait until the second Christmas after
+this one."
+
+"It is agreed," answered Mr. Bredejord. "But be assured, doctor, that
+you will finally see me in possession of your Pliny!"
+
+"By my faith no. It will make a fine appearance in my book-case beside
+your Quintilian."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+VANDA'S OPINION.
+
+
+In the beginning, Erik burning with zeal at the sacrifice which he had
+made, devoted all his energies to a fisherman's life, and tried to
+forget that he had ever known any other. He was always the first to rise
+and prepare the boat for his adopted father, who found every morning all
+the arrangements completed, and he had only to step on board. If the
+wind failed, then Erik took the heavy oars, and rowed with all his
+strength, seeming to choose the hardest and most fatiguing duties.
+Nothing discouraged him, neither the long waiting for the fish to seize
+the bait, nor the various preparations to which the captive was
+subjected--first, the removal of the tongue, which is a most delicate
+morsel; then the head, then the bones, before placing them in the
+reservoir, where they receive their first salting. Whatever their work
+was, Erik did his part not only conscientiously, but eagerly. He
+astonished the placid Otto by his extreme application to the smallest
+details of their business.
+
+"How you must have suffered, when you were shut up in the town," said
+the lad to him, naively. "You only seem to be in your element when you
+are on the borders of the fiord or on the open sea."
+
+When their conversation took this turn, Erik always remained silent.
+Sometimes, however, he would revert to the subject himself, and try to
+prove to Otto, or rather to himself, that there was no better state of
+existence than their own.
+
+"It is what I have always heard," the other would answer with his calm
+smile.
+
+And poor Erik would turn away and stifle a sigh.
+
+The truth is that he suffered cruelly after renouncing his studies and
+seeing himself condemned to a life of manual labor. When these thoughts
+came to him he fought against them with all his might. He did not wish
+any one to suspect that he felt in this way, and in hiding them within
+his own breast he suffered all the more.
+
+A catastrophe which occurred at the beginning of the spring, only served
+to increase his discouragement.
+
+One day, as there was a great deal of work to do at home in piling
+together the salted fish, Mr. Hersebom had intrusted it to Erik and to
+Otto, and had gone out to fish alone. The weather was stormy, and the
+sky very cloudy for the time of the year. The two young men, although
+they worked actively, could not help noticing that it was exceptionally
+dull, and they felt the atmosphere very heavy.
+
+"It is singular!" said Erik, "but I feel a roaring in my ears as if I
+were some distance above the earth in a balloon."
+
+Almost immediately his nose began to bleed. Otto had a similar
+sensation, although not quite so severe.
+
+"I think the barometer must be very low," said Erik. "If I had time I
+would run to Mr. Malarius' and see."
+
+"You have plenty of time," said Otto. "Our work is nearly done, and even
+if you were delayed I could easily finish it alone."
+
+"Then I will go," replied Erik. "I do not know why the state of the
+atmosphere should trouble me so much. I wish father was home."
+
+As he walked toward the school, he met Mr. Malarius on the road.
+
+"Is it you, Erik?" said the teacher. "I am glad to see you, and make
+sure that you are not on the sea. I was just going to inquire. The
+barometer has fallen with such rapidity during the last half hour. I
+have never seen anything like it. We are surely going to have a change
+of weather."
+
+Mr. Malarius had hardly finished speaking, when a distant grumbling,
+followed by a lugubrious roaring, fell upon their ears. The sky became
+covered with a cloud as black as ink, which spread rapidly in all
+directions, and obscured every object with great swiftness. Then
+suddenly, after an interval of complete silence, the leaves of the
+trees, the bits of straw, the sand, and even the stones, were swept away
+by a sudden gust of wind.
+
+The hurricane had begun.
+
+It raged with unheard-of violence. The chimneys, the window shutters,
+and in some places even the roofs of the houses were blown down; and the
+boat-houses without exception were carried away and destroyed by the
+wind. In the fiord, which was usually as calm as a well in a court-yard,
+the most terrible tempest raged; the waves were enormous and came and
+went, breaking against the shore with a deafening noise.
+
+The cyclone raged for an hour, then arrested in its course by the
+heights of Norway, it moved toward the south, and swept over continental
+Europe. It is noted in meteorological annals as one of the most
+extraordinary and disastrous that ever was known upon the Atlantic
+coast. These great changes of the atmosphere are now generally announced
+beforehand by the telegraph. Most of the European sea-ports forewarned
+of the danger have time to warn vessels and seamen of the threatened
+tempest, and they seek a safe anchorage. By this means many disasters
+are averted.
+
+But on the distant and less frequented coasts, in the fishing-hamlets,
+the number of shipwrecks was beyond computation.
+
+In one office, that of "Veritas" in France, there were registered not
+less than 730.
+
+The first thought of all the members of the Hersebom family, as well as
+of all the other families of fishermen, was naturally for those who were
+on the sea on this disastrous day. Mr. Hersebom went most often to the
+western coast of a large island which was about two miles distant,
+beyond the entrance to the fiord. It was the spot where he had first
+seen Erik. They hoped that during the tempest he had been able to find
+shelter by running his boat upon the low and sandy shore. But Erik and
+Otto felt so anxious that they could not wait until evening to see if
+this hope was well founded.
+
+The fiord had hardly resumed its ordinary placidity, after the passage
+of the hurricane, when they borrowed a boat of one of their neighbors,
+in order to go in search of him. Mr. Malarius insisted upon accompanying
+the young men upon their expedition, and they all three set out,
+anxiously watched by Katrina and her daughter.
+
+On the fiord the wind had nearly gone down, but it blew from the west,
+and to reach the entrance to the harbor they were obliged to use their
+oars. This took them more than an hour.
+
+When they reached the entrance an unexpected obstacle presented itself.
+The tempest was still raging on the ocean, and the waves dashed against
+the island which, formed the entrance to the fiord of Noroe, forming two
+currents, which came and went with such violence in the narrow pass that
+it was impossible to gain the open sea. A steamboat could not have
+ventured through it, and a weak boat could not have resisted it for a
+moment.
+
+The only thing they could do, therefore, was to return to Noroe, and
+wait as patiently as they could.
+
+The hour when he habitually came home passed without bringing Mr.
+Hersebom, but none of the other fishermen returned; so they hoped that
+they were all detained by the impassable state of the entrance to the
+fiord, and would not believe that he had personally met with any
+disaster. That evening was a very sad one at all the firesides where a
+member was missing. As the night passed without any of the absent men
+making their appearance, the anxieties of their families increased. In
+Mr. Hersebom's house nobody went to bed. They passed the long hours of
+waiting seated in a circle around the fire, silent and anxious.
+
+Dawn is late in these high latitudes in March, but when at last it grew
+light it was bright and clear. The wind was calm, and they hoped they
+would be able to get through the pass. A regular fleet of boats,
+composed of every one who could get away from Noroe, was ready to go in
+search of the absent men. Just at this moment several vessels hove in
+sight, and soon reached the village. They were the fishermen who had
+gone out the day before, not expecting such a cyclone; but Mr. Hersebom
+was not among them.
+
+Nobody could give any account of him, and the fact of his not returning
+with the others increased their anxiety as all the men had been in great
+peril. Some had been surprised by the cyclone and dashed upon the shore,
+others had time to shelter themselves in a secure place of anchorage. A
+few had reached the land just in time to save themselves.
+
+It was decided that the flotilla should go in search of those who were
+missing. Mr. Malarius who still wished to take part in the expedition
+accompanied Erik and Otto. A large yellow dog begged so earnestly to go
+with them, that at length they yielded. It was Kaas, the Greenland dog
+that Mr. Hersebom had brought back with him, after a voyage to Cape
+Farewell.
+
+After issuing from the pass the boats separated, some going to the
+right, and others to the left, to explore the shores of the innumerable
+islands which lie scattered near the entrance to the fiord of Noroe, as
+well as all along the coast of Norway.
+
+When they met at midday at a given point, which had been agreed upon
+before separating, no trace of Mr. Hersebom had been discovered. As the
+search had apparently been well conducted, everyone was of the opinion
+that they had nothing more to do but to go home.
+
+But Erik was not willing to own himself defeated, and give up all hope
+so easily. He declared that having visited all the islands which lay
+toward the south, he now wished to explore those which were in the
+north. Mr. Malarius and Otto supported him; and seeing this they granted
+his desire.
+
+This persistence deserved some recompense. Toward two o'clock as they
+approached a large island, Kaas began suddenly to bark furiously; then
+before they could prevent him he threw himself into the water, and swam
+to the shore.
+
+Erik and Otto rowed with all their strength in the same direction. Soon
+they saw the dog reach the island, and bound, while he uttered loud
+howls, toward what appeared to be a human form lying extended upon the
+sand. They made all possible haste, and soon saw beyond a doubt that it
+was a man who was lying there, and this man was Mr. Hersebom; bloody,
+pale, cold, inanimate--dead, perhaps. Kaas was licking his hands, and
+uttering mournful cries.
+
+Erik's first action was to drop on his knees beside the cold body, and
+apply his ear to his heart.
+
+"He is alive, I feel it beat," he cried.
+
+Mr. Malarias had taken one of Mr. Hersebom's hand's, and was feeling his
+pulse and he shook his head, sadly and doubtfully; but he would not
+neglect any of the means which are usually tried in such cases. After
+taking off a large woolen girdle which he wore around his waist, he tore
+it in three pieces, and giving one to each of the young men, they rubbed
+vigorously the body, the arms, and the legs of the fisherman.
+
+It was soon manifest that this simple treatment had produced the effect
+of restoring the circulation. The beating of the heart grew stronger,
+the chest rose, and a feeble respiration escaped through the lips. In a
+little while Mr. Hersebom was partially restored to consciousness, for
+he distinctly moaned.
+
+Mr. Malarias, and the two young men lifted him from the ground, and
+carried him to the boat, where they hastily arranged a bed for him of
+sails. As they laid him in the bottom of the boat he opened his eyes.
+
+"A drink!" he said in a weak voice.
+
+Erik held a flask of brandy to his lips. He swallowed a mouthful and
+appeared to be conscious of their arrival, for he tried to give them an
+affectionate and grateful smile. But fatigue overcame him almost
+immediately, and he fell into a heavy sleep which resembled a complete
+lethargy. Thinking justly that the best thing they could do was to get
+him home as speedily as possible, they took their oars and rowed
+vigorously; and in a very short time they reached Noroe.
+
+Mr. Hersebom was carried to his bed, and his wounds were dressed with
+arnica. He was fed with broth, and given a glass of beer, and in a short
+time he recovered consciousness. His injuries were not of a very grave
+nature. One of his arms was fractured, and his body was covered with
+wound and bruises. But Mr. Malarius insisted that he should remain quiet
+and rest, and not fatigue himself by attempting to talk. He was soon
+sleeping peacefully.
+
+It was not until the next day that they permitted him to speak and
+explain in a few words what had happened to him.
+
+He had been overtaken by the cyclone just as he had hoisted his sail to
+return to Noroe. He had been dashed against the rocks of the island and
+his boat had been broken into a thousand pieces and carried away by the
+waves. He had thrown himself into the sea to escape the frightful shock,
+when she struck, but in spite of all his efforts, he had been dashed by
+the waves upon the rocks and terribly wounded; he had only been able to
+drag himself beyond the reach of the waves.
+
+Exhausted by fatigue, one arm broken, and his whole body covered with
+wounds, he had lain in an unconscious state, unable to move. He could
+give no account of the manner in which he had passed the twenty hours;
+doubtless he had either been delirious or unconscious.
+
+Now that he was saved, he began to lament for the loss of his boat, and
+because of his broken arm, which was now in splints. What would become
+of him, even admitting that he might be able to use his arm again after
+eight or ten weeks? The boat was the only capital possessed by the
+family, and the boat had been broken to pieces by the wind.
+
+It would be very hard for a man of his age to be compelled to work for
+others. Besides, could he find work? It was very doubtful, for nobody in
+Noroe employed any assistant, and the factory even had lately reduced
+its hands.
+
+Such were the bitter reflections of Mr. Hersebom, while he lay upon his
+bed of pain; and he felt still worse when he was able to get up, and
+occupy his accustomed seat in his arm-chair.
+
+While waiting for his complete recovery, the family lived upon such
+provisions as they had in the house, and by the sale of the salt
+cod-fish which still remained. But the future looked very dark, and
+nobody could see how it was to be lightened.
+
+This imminent distress had given a new turn to Erik's thoughts. For two
+or three days he reflected that it was by his good fortune that Mr.
+Hersebom had been discovered. How could he help feeling proud, when he
+saw Dame Katrina and Vanda look at him with intense gratitude, as they
+said: "Dear Erik, our father saved you from the waves, and now, in your
+turn, you have snatched him from death."
+
+Certainly it was the highest recompense that he could desire for the
+self-abnegation of which he had given such a noble proof, in condemning
+himself to a fisherman's life. To feel that he had been able to render
+his adopted family such an inestimable benefit was to him a thought full
+of sweetness and strength. This family, who had so generously shared
+with him all that they possessed, were now in trouble, and in want of
+food. But, could he remain to be a burden to them? Was it not rather his
+duty to try and do something to assist them?
+
+Erik did not doubt his obligation to do this. He only hesitated as to
+the best way for him to do it. Should he go to Bergen and become a
+sailor? or was there some better occupation open to him, where he could
+be immediately useful to them. He resolved to consult Mr. Malarius, who
+listened to his reasons, and approved of them, but did not think well of
+his project of becoming a sailor.
+
+"I understood, but I deplored your decision when you were resigned to
+remain here and share the life of your adopted parents; but I can not
+understand why you should condemn yourself to the life of a sailor,
+which would take you far away from them, when Doctor Schwaryencrona
+offers you every advantage to pursue a more congenial career," said Mr.
+Malarius. "Reflect, my dear child, before you make such a decision."
+
+Mr. Malarius did not tell him that he had already written to Stockholm
+to inform the doctor of the sad state of their affairs, and the change
+which the cyclone of the 3d of March had made in the circumstances of
+Erik's family. He was not surprised, when three days after his
+conversation with Erik, he received the following letter, which he lost
+no time in carrying to the house of Mr. Hersebom.
+
+The letter read as follows:
+
+     "STOCKHOLM, March 17th.
+
+     "MY DEAR MR. MALARIUS,--I thank you cordially for informing me of
+     the disastrous consequences of the cyclone of the 3d of March to
+     the worthy Mr. Hersebom. I am proud and happy to learn that Erik
+     acted in these circumstances, as always before, like a brave boy
+     and a devoted son. You will find a check in this letter for 500
+     kroners; and I beg you to give them to him from me. Tell him if it
+     is not enough to buy at Bergen a first-class boat, he must let me
+     know without delay. He must name this boat 'Cynthia,' and then
+     present it to Mr. Hersebom as a souvenir of filial love. That done,
+     if Erik wishes to please me he will return to Stockholm and resume
+     his studies. His place is always ready for him at my fireside, and
+     if he needs a motive to assist in this decision, I add that I have
+     at length obtained some information, and hope yet to be able to
+     solve the mystery enshrouding his birth.
+
+     "Believe me, my dear Malarius, your sincere and devoted friend,
+
+     "R.W. SCHWARYENCRONA, M.D."
+
+You may imagine with what joy this letter was received. The doctor, by
+sending this gift to Erik, showed that he understood the character of
+the old fisherman. If he had offered it directly to him, it is hardly
+probable that Mr. Hersebom would have accepted it. But he could not
+refuse the boat from Erik's hand, and bearing the name of "Cynthia,"
+which recalled how Erik had become a member of the family. Their only
+grief now, which already began to sadden all their countenances, was the
+thought that he must soon leave them again. Nobody dared to speak about
+it, although it was constantly in their thoughts. Erik himself, with his
+head bowed, was divided between the desire of satisfying the doctor, and
+realizing the secret wishes of his own heart, and the no less natural
+wish of giving no offense to his adopted parents.
+
+It was Vanda who first broke the reserve, and spoke upon the subject.
+
+"Erik," she said, in her sweet grave voice, "you can not say 'No' to the
+doctor after receiving such a letter. You can not do it, because it
+would be treating him most ungratefully, and sinning against yourself.
+Your place is among scholars, and not among fishermen. I have thought so
+for a long time. Nobody has dared to tell you, therefore I tell you."
+
+"Vanda is right," said Mr. Malarius, with a smile.
+
+"Vanda is right," repeated Dame Katrina, drying her eyes.
+
+And in this manner, for the second time, Erik's departure was decided.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+PATRICK O'DONOGHAN.
+
+
+The information which Dr. Schwaryencrona had received was not very
+important, but it sufficed to start his inquiries in a new direction.
+
+He had learned the name of the ex-director of the Canadian
+Transportation Company, it was Mr. Joshua Churchill. But they did not
+know what had become of this gentleman since the dissolution of the
+company. If they could succeed in finding him, he might be able to give
+them some information about the old records of the company; perhaps
+there might have been a list of the passengers by the "Cynthia," and the
+baby might have been registered with his family or with the persons who
+had charge of him. But their investigations proved very unsatisfactory.
+The solicitor who had formerly had the books in his possession as the
+receiver of the company about ten years before; did not know what had
+become of Mr. Churchill. For a moment Dr. Schwaryencrona consoled
+himself with a false hope. He remembered that the American newspapers
+usually published a list of the passengers embarking for Europe, and he
+sent for a number of old gazettes to see if he could find the
+"Cynthia's" list; but he was soon convinced that this was a fruitless
+effort. He discovered that the practice of publishing the names of
+passengers on European steamships was of comparatively recent date. But
+the old gazettes were of one use to him, they gave the exact date of
+sailing of the "Cynthia," which had left on the 3d of November, not from
+a Canadian port as they had at first supposed, but from New York, to go
+to Hamburg.
+
+It was therefore in New York that the doctor must first make his
+investigations, and, if unsuccessful, then in other parts of the United
+States.
+
+At Hamburg all his inquiries proved to be useless. The consignee of the
+Canadian Transportation Company knew nothing about the passengers of the
+"Cynthia," and could only give them information about the freight, which
+they had already obtained.
+
+Erik had been in Stockholm six months when they learned that the
+ex-director, Mr. Joshua Churchill, had died several years before, in an
+hospital, without leaving any known heirs, or probably any money. As for
+the registers of the company, they had probably been sold long before as
+waste paper.
+
+These long researches led to nothing, except to provoke the sarcasms of
+Mr. Bredejord, which were wounding, to the doctor's self-love, who,
+however, did not as yet give way to despair.
+
+Erik's history was now well known in the doctor's household. They no
+longer forbore to speak openly about it, and the results of their
+researches were talked of both in the dining-room and the parlor.
+
+Perhaps the doctor had acted more discreetly during the first two years
+of Erik's sojourn with him, when he had kept his affairs a secret. Now
+they furnished food for the gossiping of Kajsa and Dame Greta, and even
+occupied the thoughts of Erik himself; and his reflections were often
+very melancholy.
+
+Not to know whether his parents were still living, to reflect that he
+might never be able to discover the secret of his birth, was in itself a
+sad thought to him; but it was still more sad to be ignorant of the land
+of his birth.
+
+"The poorest child in the streets, the most miserable peasant, knew at
+least what his country was, and to what branch of the great human family
+he belonged," he would sometimes say to himself, as he thought of those
+things. "But I am ignorant of all this. I am cast on the globe like a
+waif, like a grain of dust tossed by the winds, and nobody knows where I
+came from. I have no tradition--no past. The spot where my mother was
+born, and where her ashes now rest, is perhaps profaned and trodden
+under foot, and I am powerless to defend and protect it."
+
+These thoughts saddened Erik. Sometimes he would tell himself that he
+had a mother in Dame Katrina, and a home at Mr. Hersebom's, and that
+Noroe was his country. He vowed that he would repay their kindness to
+him fourfold, and would always be a devoted son to Norway, but still he
+felt himself in an exceptional position.
+
+Sometimes when he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror, he could
+observe the physical difference between himself and those surrounding
+him. The color of his eyes and his skin often occasioned him gloomy
+reflections. Sometimes he would ask himself which country he would
+prefer to be a native of if he had a choice, and he studied history and
+geography that he might become better acquainted with the civilization
+of different countries, and with the habits of their inhabitants. It was
+a sort of consolation to him to believe that he belonged to the Celtic
+race, and he sought in books a confirmation of the theory of the doctor.
+
+But when the learned man repeated that in his opinion he was certainly
+Irish, Erik felt depressed. Why among all the Celtic race should he
+belong to the people who were the most oppressed? If he had felt
+absolutely sure of this, he would have loved this unfortunate country.
+But all proof being wanting, why might he not rather believe that he was
+French? There were certainly Celts in France, and it was a country that
+he would have been proud to claim as his own, with her glorious
+traditions, her dramatic history, and her fruitful principles, which she
+had disseminated all over the world. Oh! he could have passionately
+loved, and served with devotion, such a country. He would have felt a
+filial interest in studying her glorious annals, in reading the works of
+her great authors, and in studying her poets. But alas! all these
+delicate emotions were denied him, and he felt that the problem of his
+origin would never be solved, since after so many years spent in making
+inquiries they had learned nothing.
+
+However, it seemed to Erik that if he could pursue these inquiries
+himself, and follow up the information already obtained, that he might
+discover something which might lead to some result, and his activity and
+zeal might succeed where money had failed. Would he not work with an
+ardor which must overcome all difficulties?
+
+This idea took possession of his mind, and insensibly had a marked
+effect in his studies, giving them a special direction; although he was
+not aware of this fact himself. As he had made up his mind to travel, he
+commenced to study cosmography and nautical matters; in fact, everything
+that was taught in the school for marines.
+
+"Some day," he said to himself, "I will pass my examination as a
+captain, and then I shall go to New York in my own vessel, and pursue my
+inquiries with regard to the 'Cynthia.'"
+
+As a natural consequence, this project of personally investigating the
+matter of his birth soon became known, for he was candor itself.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona, Mr. Bredejord and Professor Hochstedt ended by
+becoming interested, and finally adopted his views as their own. The
+question of Erik's birth, which had at first only been an interesting
+problem in their eyes, engrossed them more and more. They saw how much
+Erik took it to heart, and as they were sincerely attached to him, they
+realized how important it was to him, and they were disposed to do
+everything in their power to cast some light upon the mystery.
+
+One fine evening, just as the vacation was approaching, it occurred to
+them that it would be a good idea to make an excursion to New York
+together, and see if they could, obtain any further news about the
+matter.
+
+Who first conceived this idea was a disputed point among them, and gave
+rise to many discussions between the doctor and Mr. Bredejord, each
+claiming a priority. Doubtless it occurred to them both simultaneously;
+but be this as it may, the proposal was adopted unanimously, and in the
+month of September the three friends, accompanied by Erik, embarked at
+Christiana for New York. Ten days later they had reached that city, and
+opened communication with the house of Jeremiah Smith, Walker & Company,
+from whom they had received the first intelligence.
+
+And now a new agent appeared on the scene, whose assistance they had had
+little suspicion of, and this was Erik himself. In New York he only saw
+what would assist him in his search. He was up at daybreak visiting the
+wharves, accosting the sailors, whom he might chance to meet, working
+with indefatigable activity to collect the most minute intelligence.
+
+"Do you know anything about the Canadian Transportation Company? Could
+you tell me of any officer, or passenger, or sailor, who had sailed on
+the 'Cynthia'?" he asked everywhere.
+
+Thanks to his perfect knowledge of the English language, his sweet and
+serious countenance, and his familiarity with everything pertaining to
+the sea, he was well received everywhere. They mentioned to him
+successively several old officers, sailors, and employs, of the
+Canadian Transportation Company. Sometimes he was able to find them.
+Sometimes all traces of them were lost. But none of them could give him
+any useful information about the last voyage of the "Cynthia." It took
+fifteen days of walking, and searching incessantly, to obtain one little
+bit of information which might prove valuable, among all the confused
+and contradictory accounts which were poured into poor Erik's willing
+ears.
+
+This one little truth however seemed to be worth its weight in gold.
+
+They assured him that a sailor named Patrick O'Donoghan, had survived
+the shipwreck of the "Cynthia," and had even returned to New York
+several times since that eventful voyage. This Patrick O'Donoghan had
+been on the "Cynthia," on her last voyage, and had been a special
+attendant of the captain. In all probability he would know the
+first-class passengers, who always eat at the captain's table. They
+judged by the fineness of the infant's clothing that he belonged to this
+class. It was now a matter of the greatest importance to find this
+sailor.
+
+This was the conclusion of Dr. Schwaryencrona and Mr. Bredejord, when
+Erik informed them of his discovery, when he returned to the Fifth
+Avenue Hotel to dinner.
+
+As usual it led to a discussion, since the doctor tried to draw from
+this discovery a confirmation of his favorite theory.
+
+"If ever there was an Irish name," he cried, "Patrick O'Donoghan is one.
+Did I not always say that I was sure that Erik was of Irish birth?"
+
+"Does this discovery prove it?" asked Mr. Bredejord laughing. "An Irish
+cabin-boy does not prove much. It would be difficult, I fancy, to find
+an American vessel without one or two natives of Erin among her crew."
+
+They discussed the matter for two or three hours, neither of them
+willing to give way to the other.
+
+From that day Erik devoted all his energies to the task of finding
+Patrick O'Donoghan.
+
+He was not successful it is true, but by force of seeking, and
+questioning, he discovered a sailor who had known this man, and who was
+able to give him some information. Patrick O'Donoghan was a native of
+the County Cork. He was between thirty-three and thirty-four years old,
+of medium height, with red hair, black eyes, and a nose which had been
+broken by some accident.
+
+"A boy one would remember among a thousand," said the sailor. "I
+recollect him very well, although I have not seen him for seven or eight
+years."
+
+"Is it in New York you usually meet him?" asked Erik.
+
+"Yes, in New York, and in other places; but the last time was in New
+York."
+
+"Do you know any one who could give me any information about him, so
+that I could find out what has become of him?"
+
+"No, unless it is the proprietor of the hotel called the Red Anchor, in
+Brooklyn. Patrick O'Donoghan lodges there when he is in New York. The
+name of the hotel-keeper is Mr. Bowles, and he is an old sailor. If he
+does not know, I do not know of any one else who can tell you anything
+about him."
+
+Erik hurried on board one of the ferry-boats that cross the East River,
+and ten minutes later he was in Brooklyn.
+
+
+At the door-way of the Red Anchor he saw an old woman, who was neatly
+dressed, and busily occupied in peeling potatoes.
+
+"Is Mr. Bowles at home?" he said, saluting her politely, after the
+custom of his adopted country.
+
+"He is at home, but he is taking a nap," answered the good woman,
+looking with curiosity at her questioner. "If you have any message for
+him, you can give it to me. I am Mrs. Bowles."
+
+"Oh, madam, you can no doubt give me the information I desire as well as
+Mr. Bowles," answered Erik. "I wish to know whether you are acquainted
+with a sailor named Patrick O'Donoghan, and whether he is now with you,
+or if you can tell me where I can find him?"
+
+"Patrick O'Donoghan: yes, I know him, but it is five or six years since
+he has been here, and I am unable to say where he is now."
+
+Erik's countenance displayed such great disappointment that the old
+woman was touched.
+
+"Are you so anxious to find Patrick O'Donoghan that you are disappointed
+in not finding him here?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, indeed," he answered. "He alone can solve a mystery that I shall
+seek all my life to make clear."
+
+During the three weeks that Erik had been running everywhere in search
+of information, he gained a certain amount of experience in human
+nature. He saw that the curiosity of Mrs. Bowles was aroused by his
+questions, he therefore entered the hotel and asked for a glass of
+soda-water.
+
+The low room in which he found himself was furnished with green tables,
+and wooden chairs, but it was empty. This circumstance emboldened Erik
+to enter into conversation with Mrs. Bowles, when she handed him the
+bottle of soda-water which he had ordered.
+
+"You are doubtless wondering, madam, what I can want with Patrick
+O'Donoghan, and I will tell you," said he, with a smile.
+
+"An American vessel called the 'Cynthia' was lost about seventeen years
+ago on the coast of Norway; Patrick O'Donoghan was employed on board. I
+was picked up by a Norwegian fisherman when I was about nine months old.
+I was floating in a cradle attached to a buoy of the 'Cynthia.' I am
+seeking O'Donoghan to see if he can give me any information about my
+family, or at least about my country."
+
+Mrs. Bowles uttered a cry that put a stop to Erik's explanation.
+
+"To a buoy, do you say? You were tied to a buoy?"
+
+But without waiting for any reply she ran to the stairway. "Bowles!
+Bowles! come down quickly," she cried, in a piercing voice.
+
+"On a buoy! you are the child who was tied to the buoy! Who ever would
+have expected such a thing to happen?" she said, as she returned to
+Erik, who had turned pale from surprise.
+
+Was he going to learn the secret which he was so anxious to make out.
+
+A heavy footstep was heard on the stairs, and soon an old man, fat and
+rosy, clothed in a complete suit of blue cloth, and with gold rings in
+his ears, appeared on the threshold.
+
+"What is the matter?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.
+
+"Here is somebody who wants you," said Mrs. Bowles; "sit down and listen
+to the gentleman, who will repeat what he has told me."
+
+Mr. Bowles obeyed without any protestation; Erik did the same. He
+repeated in as few words as he could what he had told the old woman.
+
+As he listened, the countenance of Mr. Bowles dilated like a full moon,
+his lips parted in a broad smile, and he looked at his wife, and rubbed
+his hands. She on her side appeared equally well pleased.
+
+"Must I suppose that you are already acquainted with my story?" asked
+Erik, with a beating heart.
+
+Mr. Bowles made an affirmative sign, and scratching his ear, made up his
+mind to speak:
+
+"I know it without your telling me," he said, at length, "and my wife
+knows it as well as I do. We have often talked about it without
+understanding it."
+
+Erik, pale and with tightly compressed lips, hung upon his words,
+expecting some revelation, but this he had to wait for. Mr. Bowles had
+not the gift of either eloquence or clearness, and perhaps his ideas
+were still clouded with sleep, and in order to recover his faculties he
+took two or three glasses of a liquor called "pick me up," which greatly
+resembled gin.
+
+After his wife had placed the bottle and two glasses before him, and he
+had sufficiently fortified himself, he began to speak.
+
+His story was so confused, and mingled with so many useless details,
+that it was impossible to draw any conclusions from it, but Erik
+listened attentively to all he said, and by questioning and insisting,
+and aided by Mrs. Bowles, he ended by gathering some facts about
+himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+IN WHICH A REWARD OF FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS STERLING IS OFFERED.
+
+
+Patrick O'Donoghan, as far as Erik could make out through Mr. Bowles'
+rambling account of him, was not a model of virtue. The proprietor of
+the Red Anchor had known him as a cabin-boy and sailor, both before and
+after the loss of the "Cynthia." Up to that time Patrick O'Donoghan had
+been poor, as all sailors are. After the shipwreck he had returned from
+Europe with a large bundle of bank-notes, pretending to have inherited
+some money in Ireland, which seemed likely enough.
+
+Mr. Bowles, however, had never believed in this inheritance. He thought
+that this sudden accession of wealth was connected in some way with the
+loss of the "Cynthia," and that Patrick O'Donoghan was afraid to say so;
+for it was evident that contrary to the usual habit of seamen in such
+cases, he carefully avoided speaking about the sad occurrence. He would
+always turn the conversation if any one alluded to it before him, and he
+was very anxious to start on a long voyage before the lawsuit brought by
+the company to recover the insurance due on the "Cynthia" should take
+place. He did not wish to be summoned as a witness. This conduct
+appeared very suspicious, as he was the sole known survivor from the
+shipwreck. Mr. Bowles and his wife had always suspected him, but they
+had kept their own counsel.
+
+What looked still more suspicious was the fact that when Patrick
+O'Donoghan was in New York he was never short of money. He brought back
+very little with him after a voyage, but a few days after his return he
+always had gold and bank-notes; and when he was tipsy, which frequently
+happened, he would boast of being in possession of a secret which was
+worth a fortune to him. The words which most frequently escaped from his
+lips were, "the baby tied to the buoy!"
+
+"The baby tied to the buoy," he would say, striking the table with his
+fist, "The baby tied to the buoy is worth its weight in gold."
+
+Then he would laugh, as if well satisfied with himself. But they could
+never draw out of him any explanation of these words, and for many years
+the Bowles household were lost in conjectures as to what they could
+possibly mean.
+
+This accounted for Mrs. Bowles' excitement, when Erik suddenly announced
+to her that he was the famous baby who had been tied to a buoy.
+
+Patrick O'Donoghan, who had been in the habit of lodging at the Red
+Anchor, whenever he was in New York, for more than fifteen years, had
+not been seen there now for more than four years. There had also been
+something mysterious about his last departure. He had received a visit
+from a man who had been closeted with him for more than an hour. After
+this visit Patrick O'Donoghan, who had seemed worried and troubled, had
+paid his board bill, taken his carpet bag, and left in a hurry.
+
+They had never seen him since that day.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Bowles were naturally ignorant of the cause of his sudden
+departure, but they had always thought that it had some connection with
+the loss of the "Cynthia." In their opinion the visitor had come to warn
+Patrick O'Donoghan of some danger which threatened him, and the Irishman
+had thought it prudent to leave New York immediately. Mrs. Bowles did
+not think he had ever returned. If he had done so, they would have been
+sure to hear of him through other seamen who frequented their house, and
+who would have been astonished if Patrick O'Donoghan had boarded
+anywhere else, and would have been sure to ask questions as to the
+reasons for his doing so.
+
+This was the substance of the story related to Erik, and he hastened to
+communicate it to his friends.
+
+His report was naturally received with all the interest which it
+merited. For the first time, after so many years, they were on the track
+of a man who had made reiterated allusions to the baby tied to a buoy.
+It was true they did not know where this man was, but they hoped to find
+him some day. It was the most important piece of news which they had as
+yet obtained. They resolved to telegraph to Mrs. Bowles, and beg her to
+prepare a dinner for six persons. Mr. Bredejord had suggested this idea,
+as a good means of drawing the worthy couple out; for while they talked
+during the dinner, they might be able to glean some new facts.
+
+Erik had little hopes of obtaining any further information. He thought
+that he already knew Mr. and Mrs. Bowles well enough to be convinced
+that they had told him all that they knew. But he did not take into
+account Mr. Bredejord's skill in questioning witnesses, and in drawing
+from them information which they themselves were scarcely aware of.
+
+Mrs. Bowles had surpassed herself in preparing the dinner. She had laid
+the table in the best room on the first floor. She felt very much
+flattered at being invited to partake of it, in the society of such
+distinguished guests, and answered willingly all of Mr. Bredejord's
+questions.
+
+They gathered from this conversation a certain number of facts which
+were not unimportant.
+
+One was that Patrick O'Donoghan had said at the time, of the lawsuit
+against the insurance company, that he was going away to avoid being
+summoned as a witness. This was evident proof that he did not wish to
+explain the circumstances under which the shipwreck had occurred, and
+his subsequent conduct confirmed this theory. It was also evident that
+in New York or its environs he received the suspicious revenue which
+seemed to be connected with his secret. For when he arrived he was
+always without money, but after he had been about for a short time he
+always returned with his pockets full of gold. They could not doubt that
+his secret was connected with the infant tied to the buoy, for he had
+frequently affirmed that such was the case.
+
+The evening before his sudden departure Patrick O'Donoghan had said that
+he was tired of a sea-faring life, and that he thought he should give up
+making voyages, and settle in New York for the remainder of his life.
+
+Lastly, the individual who had called to see Patrick O'Donoghan was
+interested in his departure, for he had called the next day and asked
+for the Irishman who was boarding at the Red Anchor, and had seemed
+pleased to hear that he was no longer there. Mr. Bowles felt sure that
+he would recognize this man if he saw him again. By his conversation and
+actions he had believed him to be a detective, or some agent of the
+police.
+
+Mr. Bredejord concluded from these facts that Patrick O'Donoghan had
+been systematically frightened by the person from whom he drew the
+money, and that this man had been sent to make him fear that criminal
+proceedings were about to be taken against him. This would explain his
+precipitate flight, and why he had never returned to New York.
+
+It was important to find this detective, as well as Patrick O'Donoghan.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Bowles, by referring to their books, were able to give the
+exact date of the Irishman's departure, which was four years, lacking
+three months; although they had previously believed that it was four or
+five years ago.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona was immediately struck by the fact that the date of
+his departure, and consequently of the visit of the detective,
+corresponded precisely with the date of the first advertisements which
+he had caused to be made in Great Britain for the survivors of the
+"Cynthia." This coincidence was so striking that it was impossible not
+to believe that there was some connection between them.
+
+They began to understand the mystery a little better. The abandonment of
+Erik on the buoy had been the result of some crime--a crime of which the
+cabin-boy O'Donoghan had been a witness or an accomplice. He knew the
+authors of this crime, who lived in New York or its environs, and he had
+for a long time enjoyed the reward of his secrecy. Then a day had come
+when the excessive demands of the Irishman had become burdensome, and
+the announcement in the newspapers by advertisement had been made use of
+to frighten Patrick, and cause his hurried departure.
+
+In any case, even if these deductions were not correct in every point,
+they had obtained sufficient information to entitle them to demand a
+judicial investigation.
+
+Erik and his friends therefore left the Red Anchor full of hope that
+they would soon obtain some favorable intelligence.
+
+The next day Mr. Bredejord was introduced by the Swedish consul to the
+chief of police of New York, and he made him acquainted with the facts
+which had become known to him. At the same time he entered into
+conversation with the officers of the insurance company who had refused
+to pay the claims due on the "Cynthia," and read the old documents
+relative to this matter, which had lain undisturbed so many years. But
+the examination of these papers did not afford him any important
+intelligence. The matter had been decided upon technical points,
+relating to an excess of insurance far above the value of the vessel and
+cargo. Neither side had been able to produce any person who had been a
+witness of the shipwreck. The owners of the "Cynthia" had not been able
+to prove their good faith, or to explain how the shipwreck had taken
+place, and the Court had decided in favor of their adversaries. Their
+defense had been weak, and their opponents had triumphed.
+
+The insurance company, however, had been compelled to pay several claims
+on the lives of the passengers to their heirs. But, in all these law
+proceedings, there was no trace of any infant nine months old.
+
+These examinations had occupied several days. Finally, the chief of
+police informed Mr. Bredejord that he had been unable to obtain any
+intelligence about the matter. Nobody in New York knew any detective who
+answered to Mr. Bowles' description. Nobody could tell who the
+individual was who was interested in the departure of Patrick
+O'Donoghan. As for this sailor, he did not appear to have set his foot
+in the United States for at least four years. All they could do was to
+keep the address of the place where he was born, which might prove
+useful some time. But the chief of police told Mr. Bredejord, without
+any dissimulation, that the affair had happened so long ago--now nearly
+twenty years--that even if Patrick O'Donoghan ever returned to New York,
+it was at least doubtful if the authorities would be willing to
+investigate the matter.
+
+At the moment when Erik believed that he was about to obtain a solution
+of the mystery which clouded his life, all their investigations came to
+a sudden end, and without producing the slightest result. The only thing
+that remained to be done was to pass through Ireland as they returned to
+Sweden, to see if perchance Patrick O'Donoghan had returned there to
+pass the remainder of his days planting cabbages.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona and his friends, after taking leave of Mr. and Mrs.
+Bowles, resolved to pursue this route. The steamers between New York and
+Liverpool touch at Cork, and this was only a few miles from Innishannon,
+the place where Patrick was born. There they learned that Patrick
+O'Donoghan had never returned to his native place since he left it at
+the age of twelve years, and that they had never heard from him.
+
+"Where shall we look for him now?" asked Dr. Schwaryencrona, as they
+embarked for England, on the way to Stockholm.
+
+"At the seaport towns evidently, and clearly at those which are not
+American," answered Mr. Bredejord. "For note this point, a sailor, a
+sea-faring man, does not renounce his profession at the age of
+thirty-five. It is the only one he knows. Patrick is doubtless still on
+the sea. And all vessels have some port or other for their destination,
+and it is only there that we can hope to find this man. What do you
+think, Hochstedt?"
+
+"Your reasoning seems to be just, although not altogether indisputable,"
+answered the professor, with his customary prudence.
+
+"Admit that it is right," continued Mr. Bredejord. "We know that Patrick
+O'Donoghan was frightened away and would be in dread of pursuit, perhaps
+of being extradited. In that case, he would avoid his old companions,
+and seek in preference ports where he was not likely to meet any of
+them. I know that my ideas can be contradicted, but let us suppose they
+are well founded. The number of ports which are not frequented by
+American vessels is not very large. I think we might begin by seeking in
+these places news of Patrick O'Donoghan."
+
+"Why not have recourse to advertisements?" asked Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+"Because Patrick O'Donoghan would not answer them if he is trying to
+hide himself; even supposing that a sailor would be likely to see your
+advertisement."
+
+"But you could word your advertisement so as to assure him that you
+intended to do him no injury, but rather that it would be greatly to his
+advantage to communicate with you."
+
+"You are right, but still I am afraid that an ordinary seaman would not
+be likely to see such an advertisement."
+
+"Well, you might try offering a reward to Patrick O'Donoghan, or to any
+one who would give you information as to where he might be found. What
+do you think about it, Erik?"
+
+"It seems to me that such an advertisement to produce any result would
+have to be continued for a long time, and in a great many different
+papers. That would cost a great deal, and might only frighten Patrick
+O'Donoghan, no matter how well worded the advertisement might be,
+provided it is to his interest to remain concealed. Would it not be
+better to employ some one to visit personally those seaports which this
+man would be likely to frequent?"
+
+"But where could we find a trusty man who would be willing to undertake
+such a task?"
+
+"I can furnish one, if you wish it," answered Erik. "I would go myself."
+
+"You, my dear child--and what would become of your studies?"
+
+"My studies need not suffer. There is nothing to prevent me from
+pursuing them, even during my travels. And another thing, doctor, I must
+confess to you, that I have already secured the means of doing so
+without costing me anything."
+
+"How is that possible," asked Dr. Schwaryencrona, Mr. Bredejord, and
+Professor Hochstedt, simultaneously.
+
+"I have simply been preparing myself for a sea-faring life. I can pass
+the examination to-day if necessary. Once in possession of my diploma,
+it would be easy for me to obtain a position as a lieutenant in any
+sea-port.
+
+"And you have done all this without saying a word to me?" said the
+doctor, half grieved, while the lawyer and the professor both laughed
+heartily.
+
+"Well," said Erik, "I do not think that I have committed any great
+crime. I have only made inquiries as to the requisite amount of
+knowledge, and I have mastered it. I should not have made any use of it
+without asking your permission, and I now solicit it."
+
+"And I shall grant it, wicked boy," said the doctor, "But to let you set
+out all alone now is another matter--we will wait until you have
+attained your majority."
+
+Erik submitted to this decision willingly and gratefully.
+
+However, the doctor was not willing to give up his own ideas. To search
+the sea-ports personally he regarded as a last expedient. An
+advertisement on the other hand would go everywhere. If Patrick
+O'Donoghan was not hiding away, they might possibly find him by this
+means. If he was hiding, some one might see it and betray him. He
+therefore had this advertisement written in seven or eight different
+languages, and dispatched to the four quarters of the globe in a hundred
+of the most widely circulated newspapers.
+
+     "Patrick O'Donoghan, a sailor, has been absent from New York for
+     four years. A reward of one hundred pounds sterling will be paid to
+     any one who can give me news of him. Five hundred pounds sterling
+     will be given to the said Patrick O'Donoghan if he will communicate
+     with the advertiser. He need fear nothing, as no advantage will be
+     taken of him.
+
+     "DOCTOR SCHWARYENCRONA.
+
+     "Stockholm."
+
+By the 20th of October, the doctor and his companions had returned to
+their homes.
+
+The next day the advertisement was sent to the advertising agency in
+Stockholm, and three days afterward it had made its appearance in
+several newspapers. Erik could not repress a sigh and a presentiment
+that it would be unsuccessful as he read it.
+
+As for Mr. Bredejord, he declared openly that it was the greatest folly
+in the world, and that for the future he considered the affair a
+failure.
+
+But Erik and Mr. Bredejord were deceived, as events afterward proved.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+TUDOR BROWN, ESQUIRE.
+
+
+One morning in May the doctor was in his office, when his servant
+brought him a visitor's card. This card, which was small as is usual in
+America, had the name of "Mr. Tudor Brown, on board the 'Albatross'"
+printed upon it.
+
+"Mr. Tudor Brown," said the doctor, trying to remember whom he had ever
+known who bore this name.
+
+"This gentleman asked to see the doctor," said the servant.
+
+"Can he not come at my office-hour?" asked the doctor.
+
+"He said his business was about a personal matter."
+
+"Show him in, then," said the doctor, with a sigh.
+
+He lifted his head as the door opened again, and was surprised when he
+beheld the singular person who answered to the feudal name of Tudor, and
+the plebeian name of Brown.
+
+He was a man about fifty years of age, his forehead was covered with a
+profusion of little ringlets, of a carroty color, while the most
+superficial examination betrayed that they were made of curled silk; his
+nose was hooked, and surmounted with an enormous pair of gold
+spectacles; his teeth were as long as those of a horse, his cheeks were
+smooth, but under his chin he wore a little red beard. This odd head,
+covered by a high hat which he did not pretend to remove, surmounted a
+thin angular body, clothed from head to foot in a woolen suit. In his
+cravat he wore a pin, containing a diamond as large as a walnut; also a
+large gold chain, and his vest buttons were amethysts. He had a dozen
+rings on his fingers, which were as knotty as those of a chimpanzee.
+Altogether he was the most pretentious and grotesque-looking man that it
+was possible to behold. This person entered the doctor's office as if he
+had been entering a railway station, without even bowing. He stopped to
+say, in a voice that resembled that of Punch, its tone was so nasal and
+guttural:
+
+"Are you Doctor Schwaryencrona?"
+
+"I am," answered the doctor, very much astonished at his manners.
+
+He was debating in his mind whether he should ring for his servant to
+conduct this offensive person to the door, when a word put a stop to his
+intention.
+
+"I saw your advertisement about Patrick O'Donoghan," said the stranger,
+"and I thought you would like to know that I can tell you something
+about him."
+
+"Take a seat, sir," answered the doctor.
+
+But he perceived that the stranger had not waited to be asked.
+
+After selecting the most comfortable arm-chair, he drew it toward the
+doctor, then he seated himself with his hands in his pockets, lifted his
+feet and placed his heels on the window-sill, and looked at the doctor
+with the most self-satisfied air in the world.
+
+"I thought," he said, "that you would listen to these details with
+pleasure, since you offer five hundred pounds for them. That is why I
+have called upon you."
+
+The doctor bowed without saying a word.
+
+"Doubtless," continued the other, in his nasal voice, "you are wondering
+who I am. I am going to tell you. My card has informed you as to my
+name, and I am a British subject."
+
+"Irish perhaps?" asked the doctor with interest.
+
+The Granger, evidently surprised, hesitated a moment, and then said:
+
+"No, Scotch. Oh, I know I do not look like a Scotchman, they take me
+very often for a Yankee--but that is nothing--I am Scotch."
+
+As he gave this piece of information, he looked at Dr. Schwaryencrona as
+much as to say:
+
+"You can believe what you please, it is a matter of indifference to me."
+
+"From Inverness, perhaps?" suggested the doctor, still clinging to his
+favorite theory.
+
+The stranger again hesitated for a moment.
+
+"No, from Edinburgh," he answered. "But that is of no importance after
+all, and has nothing to do with the matter in hand. I have an
+independent fortune and owe nothing to anybody. If I tell you who I am,
+it is because it gives me pleasure to do so, for I am not obliged to do
+it."
+
+"Permit me to observe that I did not ask you," said the doctor, smiling.
+
+"No, but do not interrupt me, or we shall never reach the end of this
+matter. You published an advertisement to find out what became of
+Patrick O'Donoghan, did you not?--you therefore have some interest in
+knowing. I know what has become of him."
+
+"You know?" asked the doctor, drawing his seat closer to that of the
+stranger.
+
+"I know, but before I tell you, I want to ask you what interest you have
+in finding him?"
+
+"That is only just," answered the doctor.
+
+In as few words as possible, he related Erik's history, to which his
+visitor listened with profound attention.
+
+"And this boy is still living?" asked Tudor Brown.
+
+"Assuredly he is living. He is in good health, and in October next he
+will begin his studies in the Medical University at Upsal."
+
+"Ah! ah!" answered the stranger, who seemed lost in reflection. "Tell
+me," he said at length, "have you no other means of solving this mystery
+of his birth except by finding Patrick O'Donoghan?"
+
+"I know of no other," replied the doctor. "After years of searching I
+only found out that this O'Donoghan was in possession of the secret,
+that he alone could reveal it to me, and that is why I have advertised
+for him in the papers. I must confess that I had no great hopes of
+finding him by this means."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"Because I had reasons for believing that this O'Donoghan has grave
+motives for remaining unknown, consequently it was not likely that he
+would respond to my advertisement. I had the intention of resorting to
+other means. I have a description of him. I know what ports he would be
+likely to frequent, and I propose to employ special agents to be on the
+lookout for him."
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona did not say this lightly. He spoke with the intention
+of seeing what effect these words would produce on the man before him.
+And as he watched him intently, he saw that in spite of the affected
+coolness of the stranger his eyelids fell and the muscles of his month
+contracted. But almost immediately Tudor Brown recovered his
+self-possession, and said:
+
+"Well, doctor, if you have no other means of solving this mystery,
+except by discovering Patrick O'Donoghan, I am afraid that you will
+never find it out. Patrick O'Donoghan is dead."
+
+The doctor was too much taken aback by this disappointing announcement
+to say a word, and only looked at his visitor, who continued:
+
+"Dead and buried, three hundred fathoms beneath the sea. This man, whose
+past life always appeared to me to have been mysterious, was employed
+three years on board my yacht, the 'Albatross.' I must tell you that my
+yacht is a stanch vessel, in which I often cruise for seven or eight
+months at a time. Nearly three years ago we were passing through the
+Straits of Madeira, when Patrick O'Donoghan fell overboard. I had the
+vessel stopped, and some boats lowered, and after a diligent search we
+recovered him; but though we spared no pains to restore him to life, our
+efforts were in vain. Patrick O'Donoghan was dead. We were compelled to
+return to the sea the prey which we had snatched from it. The accident
+was put down on the ship's log, and recorded in the notary's office at
+the nearest place we reached. Thinking that this act might be useful to
+you, I have brought you a certified copy of it."
+
+As he said this, Mr. Tudor Brown took out his pocket-book and presented
+the doctor with a paper stamped with a notarial seal.
+
+The latter read it quickly. It was a record of the death of Patrick
+O'Donoghan, while passing through the Straits of Madeira, duly signed
+and sworn to, before two witnesses, as being an exact copy of the
+original--it was also registered in London, at Somerset House, by the
+commissioners of her Britannic Majesty.
+
+This instrument was evidently authentic. But the manner in which he had
+received it was so strange that the doctor could not conceal his
+astonishment. He took it, however, with his habitual courtesy.
+
+"Permit me to ask one question, sir," he said to his visitor.
+
+"Speak, doctor."
+
+"How is it that you have this document in your pocket duly prepared and
+certified? And why have you brought it to me?"
+
+"If I can count, you have asked two questions," said Tudor Brown. "I will
+answer them, however--I had this paper in my pocket, because I read your
+advertisement two months ago, and wishing to furnish you with the
+information which you asked for, I thought it better to give it to you,
+in the most complete and definite form that lay in my power. I have
+brought it to you personally, because I happened to be cruising in these
+waters; and I wished at the same time to gratify your curiosity and my
+own."
+
+There was nothing to answer to this reasoning--this was the only
+conclusion the doctor could draw.
+
+"Yon are here, then, with the 'Albatross'?" he asked, eagerly.
+
+"Without doubt."
+
+"And you have still on board some sailors who have known Patrick
+O'Donoghan?"
+
+"Yes, several."
+
+"Would you permit me to see them?"
+
+"As many as you please. Will you accompany me on board now?"
+
+"If you have no objection."
+
+"I have none," said the stranger, as he arose.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona touched his bell, and they brought him his fur
+pelisse, his hat, and his cane, and he departed with Mr. Tudor Brown.
+
+Fifteen minutes later they were on board the "Albatross."
+
+They were received by an old gray-headed seaman, with a rubicund face,
+whose open countenance betrayed only truth and loyalty.
+
+"Mr. Ward, this gentleman wishes to make some inquiries about the fate
+of Patrick O'Donoghan," said Mr. Tudor Brown.
+
+"Patrick O'Donoghan," answered the old sailor, "God rest his soul. He
+gave us trouble enough to pick him up the day he was drowned in the
+Straits of Madeira. What is the use of inquiries now that he has gone to
+feed the fishes?"
+
+"Had you known him for a long time?" asked the doctor.
+
+"The rascal--no--for a year or two perhaps. I believe that it was at
+Zanzibar that we took him on board--am I right, Tommy Duff?"
+
+"Is any one hailing me?" asked a young sailor, who was busily employed
+in polishing a copper bowl.
+
+"Come here," said the other--"Was it at Zanzibar that we recruited
+Patrick O'Donoghan?"
+
+"Patrick O'Donoghan," repeated the young sailor, as if his remembrance
+of the man was not very good. "Oh yes, I remember him. The man who fell
+overboard in the Straits of Maderia. Yes, Mr. Ward, it was at Zanzibar
+that he came on board."
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona made him describe Patrick O'Donoghan, and was
+convinced that it was the same man whom he was seeking. Both these men
+seemed honest and sincere. They had honest and open countenances. The
+uniformity of their answers seemed a little strange, and almost
+preconcerted; but after all it might be only the natural consequence of
+relating facts. Having known Patrick O'Donoghan only a year at the most,
+they would have but little to say about him, except the fact of his
+death.
+
+Besides the "Albatross" was a yacht of such large proportions, that if
+she had been furnished with some cannon she might easily have passed for
+a man-of-war. The most rigorous cleanliness was observed on board. The
+sailors were in good condition, well clothed, and under perfect
+discipline. The general appearance of the vessel insensiby acted upon
+the doctor, and carried conviction of the truth of the statement which
+he had just heard. He therefore declared himself perfectly satisfied,
+and could not leave without inviting Mr. Tudor Brown to dine with him.
+But Mr. Tudor Brown did not think it best to accept this invitation. He
+declined it in these courteous terms:
+
+"No--I can not--I never dine in town."
+
+It now only remained for Dr. Schwaryencrona to retire. This he did
+without having obtained even the slightest bow from this strange
+individual.
+
+The doctor's first thought was to go and relate his adventure to Mr.
+Bredejord, who listened to him without saying a word, only promising
+himself to institute counter inquiries.
+
+But he, with Erik, who had been told the whole story upon his return
+from school, repaired to the vessel to see if they could elicit any
+further information, but the "Albatross" had left Stockholm, without
+leaving word where she was going, and they could not, therefore, obtain
+even the address of Mr. Tudor Brown.
+
+All that resulted from this affair was the possession of the document,
+which legally proved the death of Patrick O'Donoghan.
+
+Was this paper of any value? This was the question that Mr. Bredejord
+could not help doubting, in spite of the evidence of the British consul
+at Stockholm, whom he questioned, and who declared that the signatures
+and stamp were perfectly authentic. He also caused inquiries to be made
+at Edinburgh, but nobody knew Mr. Tudor Brown, which he thought looked
+suspicious.
+
+But it was an undeniable fact that they obtained no further intelligence
+of Patrick O'Donoghan, and all their advertisements were ineffectual.
+
+If Patrick O'Donoghan had disappeared for good, they had no hope of
+penetrating the mystery that surrounded Erik's birth. He himself saw
+this, and was obliged to recognize the fact that, for the future, the
+inquiries would have to be based upon some other theory. He therefore
+made no opposition about commencing his medical studies the following
+autumn at the university at Upsal, according to the doctor's wishes. He
+only desired, first, to pass his examination as a captain, but this
+sufficed to show that he had not renounced his project of traveling.
+
+Besides, he had another trouble which lay heavy at his heart, and for
+which he saw no other remedy but absence.
+
+Erik wished to find some pretext for leaving the doctor's house as soon
+as his studies were completed; but he wished to do this without exciting
+any suspicion. The only pretext which he could think of was this plan of
+traveling. He desired to do this because of the aversion of Kajsa, the
+doctor's niece. She lost no occasion of showing her dislike; but he
+would not at any price have had the excellent man suspect this state of
+affairs between them. His relations toward the young girl had always
+been most singular. In the eyes of Erik during these seven years as well
+as on the first day of his arrival at Stockholm, the pretty little fairy
+had always been a model of elegance and all earthly perfections. He had
+bestowed on her his unreserved admiration, and had made heroic efforts
+to overcome her dislike, and become her friend.
+
+But Kajsa could not make up her mind calmly to see this "intruder," as
+she called Erik, take his place in the doctor's home, be treated as an
+adopted son, and become a favorite of her uncle and his friends. The
+scholastic success of Erik, his goodness and his gentleness, far from
+making him pleasing in her eyes, were only new motives of jealousy.
+
+In her heart Kajsa could not pardon the young man for being only a
+fisherman and a peasant. It seemed to her that he brought discredit upon
+the doctor's household and on herself, who, she liked to believe,
+occupied a very high position in the social scale.
+
+But it was worse when she learned that Erik was even less than a
+peasant, only a child that had been picked up. That appeared to her
+monstrous and dishonorable. She thought that such a child had a lower
+place in society than a cat or a dog; she manifested these sentiments by
+the most disdainful looks, the most mortifying silence, and the most
+cruel insults. If Erik was invited with her to any little social
+gathering at the house of a friend, she would positively refuse to dance
+with him. At the table she would not answer anything he said, nor pay
+any attention to him. She tried on all occasions, and in every possible
+way, to humiliate him.
+
+Poor Erik had divined the cause of this uncharitable conduct, but he
+could not understand how ignorance of his family, and of the land of his
+birth, could be regarded by her as such a heinous crime. He tried one
+day to reason with Kajsa, and to make her understand the injustice and
+cruelty of such a prejudice, but she would not even deign to listen to
+him. Then as they both grew older, the abyss which separated them seemed
+to widen. At eighteen Kajsa made her _debut_ in society. She was
+flattered and noticed as the rich heiress, and this homage only
+confirmed her in the opinion that she was superior to common mortals.
+
+Erik, who was at first greatly afflicted by her disdain, ended by
+becoming indignant, and vowing to triumph over it. This feeling of
+humiliation had a great share in producing the passionate ardor with
+which he pursued his studies. He dreamed of raising himself so high in
+public esteem, by the force of his own industry, that every one would
+bow before him. But he also vowed that he would go away on the first
+opportunity, and that he would not remain under a roof where every day
+he was exposed to some secret humiliation.
+
+Only the good doctor must be kept in ignorance of the cause of his
+departure. He must attribute it solely to a passion for traveling. And
+Erik therefore frequently spoke of his desire, when his studies were
+completed, of engaging in some scientific expedition. While pursuing his
+studies at Upsal, he prepared himself by work, and the most severe
+exercise, for the life of fatigue and danger which is the lot of great
+travelers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE "VEGA."
+
+
+In the month of December, 1878, Erik had attained the age of twenty, and
+passed his first examination for his doctor's degree. The learned men of
+Sweden were greatly excited about the proposed arctic expedition of the
+navigator Nordenskiold, and their enthusiasm was shared by a large
+proportion of the population. After preparing himself for the
+undertaking by several voyages to the polar regions, and after studying
+the problem in all its aspects, Nordenskiold intended to attempt once
+more to discover the north-east passage from the Atlantic to the
+Pacific, which for three centuries had defied the efforts of all the
+maritime nations.
+
+The programme for the expedition had been defined by the Swedish
+navigator, and he announced the reasons which led him to believe that
+the north-east passage was practicable in summer, and the means by which
+he hoped to realize this geographical desideratum. The intelligent
+liberality of two Scandinavian gentlemen, and the assistance of the
+Swedish government, enabled him to organize his expedition upon a plan
+which he believed would insure its success.
+
+It was on the 21st of July, 1878, that Nordenskiold quitted From-sae, on
+board of the "Vega," to attempt to reach Behring's Strait by passing to
+the north of Russia and Siberia. Lieutenant Palanders, of the Swedish
+navy, was in command of the vessel, with the instigator of the voyage,
+and they had also a staff of botanists, geologists, and astronomical
+doctors.
+
+The "Vega," which had been especially prepared for the expedition under
+the surveillance of Nordenskiold, was a vessel of five hundred tons,
+which had been recently built at Bremen, and carried an engine of
+sixty-horse power. Three ships were to accompany her to successive
+points on the Siberian coast, which had been previously determined upon.
+They were all provisioned for a cruise of two years, in case it might be
+necessary for them to winter in those arctic regions. But Nordenskiold
+did not conceal his hope of being able to reach Behring's Strait before
+autumn, on account of his careful arrangements, and all Sweden shared
+this hope.
+
+They started from the most northerly point of Norway, and the "Vega"
+reached Nova Zembla on the 29th of July, on the 1st of August the Sea of
+Kara, and on the 6th of August the mouth of the Gulf Yenisei. On the 9th
+of August she doubled Cape Schelynshin, or Cape North-East, the extreme
+point of the continent, which no vessel had hitherto been able to reach.
+On the 7th of September she cast anchor at the mouth of the Lena, and
+separated from the third of the vessels which had accompanied her thus
+far. On the 16th of October a telegraphic dispatch from Irkutsk
+announced to the world that the expedition had been successful up to
+this point.
+
+We can imagine the impatience with which the friends of the Swedish
+navigator waited for the details of the expedition. These details did
+not reach them until the 1st of December. For if electricity flies over
+space with the rapidity of thought, it is not the same with the Siberian
+post. The letters from the "Vega," although deposited in the post-office
+at Irkutsk, at the same time that the telegraphic message was
+dispatched, did not reach Sweden until six weeks afterward. But they
+arrived at last; and on the 5th of December one of the principal
+newspapers of Sweden published an account of the first part of the
+expedition, which had been written by a young medical doctor attached to
+the "Vega."
+
+That same day, at breakfast, Mr. Bredejord was occupied in reading with
+great interest the details of the voyage, given in four columns, when
+his eyes fell upon a paragraph which almost upset him. He re-read it
+attentively, and then read it again; then he arose, and seizing his hat
+and coat, he rushed to the house of Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+"Have you read the correspondence of the 'Vega'?" he cried, as he rushed
+like a hurricane into the dining-room where the doctor and Kajsa were
+taking their breakfast.
+
+"I have just commenced it," replied the doctor, "and was intending to
+finish reading it after breakfast, while I smoked my pipe."
+
+"Then you have not seen!" exclaimed Mr. Bredejord, out of breath. "You
+do not know what this correspondence contains?"
+
+"No," replied Doctor Schwaryencrona, with perfect calmness.
+
+"Well, listen to this," continued Mr. Bredejord, approaching the window.
+"It is the journal of one of your brethren, the aid of the naturalist of
+the 'Vega.'"
+
+"'30th and 31st of July, we entered the strait of Jugor, and cast anchor
+before a Samoyede village called Chabarova. We landed, and I questioned
+some of the natives to discover, by Holmgren's method, the extent of
+their perception of colors. I found that this sense was normally
+developed among them. Bought of a Samoyede fisherman two magnificent
+salmon.'"
+
+"Pardon me," interrupted the doctor; "but is this a charade you are
+reading to me. I confess I do not see how these details can interest
+me."
+
+"Ah! they do not interest you?" said Mr. Bredejord, in a triumphant
+tone. "Well, wait a moment and you will see:
+
+"'Bought of a Samoyede fisherman two magnificent salmon, which I have
+preserved in alcohol, notwithstanding the protestations of our cook.
+This fisherman fell into the water as he was quitting the ship. They
+pulled him out half suffocated and stiffened by the cold, so that he
+resembled a bar of iron, and he, also, had a serious cut on his head. We
+were just under way, and they carried him to the infirmary of the
+"Vega," while still unconscious, undressed him, and put him to bed. They
+then discovered that this fisherman was an European. He had red hair;
+his nose had been broken by some accident, and on his chest, on a level
+with his heart, these words were tattooed: "Patrick
+O'Donoghan--Cynthia."'"
+
+Here Dr. Schwaryencrona uttered a cry of surprise.
+
+"Wait! listen to the rest of it," said Mr. Bredejord; and he continued
+his reading:
+
+"'Being subjected to an energetic massage treatment, he was soon
+restored to life. But as it was impossible for him to leave us in that
+condition, we were compelled to take care of him. A fever set in and he
+became delirious. Our experiment of the appreciation of colors among the
+Samoyedes, therefore, was frustrated.--3d of August. The fisherman of
+Chabarova has recovered from the effects of his bath. He appeared to be
+surprised to find himself on board the "Vega," and _en route_ for Cape
+Tahelyuskin, but soon became reconciled to his fate. His knowledge of
+the Ganwyede language may be useful to, us, and we have determined to
+take him with us on the coast of Siberia. He speaks English with a nasal
+accent like a Yankee, but pretends to be Scotch, and calls himself Tommy
+Bowles. He came from Nova Zembla with some fishermen, and he has lived
+on these shores for the last twelve years. The name tattooed upon his
+chest he says, 'is that of one of the friends of his infancy who has
+been dead for a long time.'"
+
+"It is evidently our man," cried the doctor, with great emotion.
+
+"Yes, there can be no doubt of it," answered the lawyer. "The name, the
+vessel, the description, all prove it; even this choice of a pseudonym
+Johnny Bowles, and his declaring that Patrick O'Donoghan was dead, these
+are superabundant proofs!"
+
+They were both silent, reflecting upon the possible consequences of this
+discovery.
+
+"How can we go so far in search of him?" said the doctor, at length.
+
+"It will be very difficult, evidently," replied Mr. Bredejord. "But it
+is something to know that he is alive, and the part of the world where
+he can be found. And, besides, who can tell what the future may have in
+store? He may even return to Stockholm in the 'Vega,' and explain all
+that we wish to find out. If he does not do this, perhaps we may, sooner
+or later, find an opportunity to communicate with him. Voyages to Nova
+Zembla will become more frequent, on account of this expedition of the
+'Vega.' Ship-owners are already talking about sending every year some
+vessels to the mouth of the Yenisei."
+
+The discussion of this topic was inexhaustible, and the two friends were
+still talking about the matter, when Erik arrived from Upsal, at two
+o'clock. He also had read this great piece of news, and had taken the
+train for home without losing a moment. But it was a singular fact that
+he was not joyful, but rather disturbed by this new intelligence.
+
+"Do you know what I am afraid of?" said he to the doctor and Mr.
+Bredejord. "I fear that some misfortune has happened to the 'Vega.' You
+know it is now the 5th of December, and you know the leaders of the
+expedition counted upon arriving at Behring's Strait before October. If
+this expectation had been realized, we should have heard from her by
+this time; for she would have reached Japan, or at least Petropaulosk,
+in the Aleutian Islands, or some station in the Pacific, from which we
+should have received news of her. The dispatches and letters here came
+by the way of Irkutsk, and are dated the 7th of September, so that for
+three entire months we have heard nothing from the 'Vega.' So we must
+conclude that they did not reach Behring's Strait as soon as they
+expected, and that she has succumbed to the common fate of all
+expeditious which for the last three centuries have attempted to
+discover the north-east passage. This is the deplorable conclusion which
+I have been compelled to arrive at."
+
+"The 'Vega' might have been obliged to encounter in the Polar regions a
+great deal which was unforeseen, and she might have been unprovided for
+such a contingency," replied Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+"Evidently; but this is the most favorable hypothesis; and a winter in
+that region is surrounded by so many dangers that it is equivalent to a
+shipwreck. In any case, it is an indisputable fact that if we ever have
+any news of the 'Vega' it will not be possible to do so before next
+summer."
+
+"Why, how is that?"
+
+"Because, if the 'Vega' has not perished she is inclosed in the ice, and
+she will not be able, at the best, to extricate herself before June or
+July."
+
+"That is true," answered Mr. Bredejord.
+
+"What conclusion do you draw from this reasoning?" asked the doctor,
+disturbed by the sad tone of Erik's voice as he made the announcement.
+
+"The conclusion that it is impossible to wait so long before solving a
+question which is of such great importance to me."
+
+"What do you want to do? We must submit to what is inevitable."
+
+"Perhaps it only appears to be so," answered Erik. "The letters which
+have reached us have come across the Arctic Ocean by the way of Irkutsk.
+Why could I not follow the same route? I would keep close to the coast
+of Siberia. I would endeavor to communicate with the people of that
+country, and find out whether any foreign vessel had been shipwrecked,
+or was held prisoner among the icebergs. Perhaps I might succeed in
+finding Nordenskiold, and Patrick O'Donoghan. It is an enterprise worth
+undertaking."
+
+"In the middle of winter?"
+
+"Why not? It is the most favorable season for traveling in sleighs in
+that latitude."
+
+"Yes; but you forget that you are not there yet, and that it will be
+spring before you could get there."
+
+"That is true," said Erik, who was compelled to recognize the force of
+this argument. He sat with his eyes fixed on the floor, absorbed in
+thought.
+
+"No, matter," said he suddenly; "Nordenskiold must be found, and with
+him Patrick O'Donoghan. They shall be, or it will not be my fault."
+
+Erik's plan was a very simple one. He proposed to write an anonymous
+letter to the leading newspapers of Stockholm, and thus proclaim his
+fears as to the fate of the "Vega." Had she been shipwrecked, or was she
+held a prisoner by icebergs, and he concluded his communication by
+representing how important it was that some vessel should be sent to her
+assistance in the latter case.
+
+The truth of his reasoning was so apparent, and the interest in the
+expedition so general, that the young student of Upsal was certain that
+the question would be warmly discussed in scientific circles.
+
+But the effect of his letter was beyond his highest expectations. All
+the newspapers without exception expressed their approval of his
+proposition while commenting upon his communication.
+
+Public opinion was unanimously in favor of fitting out a relief
+expedition. Commercial men, manufacturers, the members of schools and
+colleges, the judicial corps--in fact, all classes voluntarily
+contributed to the enterprise. A rich ship-owner offered to equip a
+vessel at his own expense, to go to the relief of the "Vega;" and he
+named it the "Nordenskiold."
+
+The enthusiasm increased as days passed without bringing any
+intelligence of the "Vega." By the end of December, the subscription had
+reached a considerable sum. Dr. Sehwaryencrona and Mr. Bredejord had
+headed the list with a subscription of ten thousand kroners each. They
+were members of the committee who had chosen Erik for their secretary.
+
+The latter was in fact the soul of the undertaking. His ardor, his
+modesty, his evident ability with regard to all questions relative to
+the expedition, which he studied untiringly, soon acquired for him a
+most decided influence. From the first he did not conceal the fact that
+it was his dream to take part in the enterprise, if only as a simple
+sailor, and that he had a supreme and personal interest in the matter.
+This only gave the greater weight to the excellent suggestions which he
+made to the originators of the expedition, and he personally directed
+all the preparatory labors.
+
+It was agreed that a second vessel should accompany the "Nordenskiold,"
+and that it should be like the "Vega," a steamship. Nordenskiold himself
+had demonstrated that the principal cause of the failure of previous
+attempts had been the employment of sailing vessels. Arctic navigators,
+especially when on an exploring expedition, must not be dependent upon
+the wind, but must be able to force their way speedily through a
+difficult or perilous pass--and above all, always be able to take the
+open sea, which it was often impossible to do with a sailing vessel.
+
+This fundamental point having been established, it was decided also to
+cover the vessel with a lining of green oak, six inches thick, and to
+divide it into compartments, so that it would be better able to resist a
+blow from the ice. They were also desirous that she should not draw too
+much water, and that all her arrangements should be so made as to enable
+her to carry a full supply of coal. Among the offers which were made to
+the committee, was a vessel of one hundred and forty tons, which had
+been recently built at Bremen, and which had a crew of eighteen men, who
+could easily maneuver her. She was a schooner, but while she carried her
+masts, she also was furnished with an engine of eighty horse-power. One
+of her boilers was so arranged that it could burn oil or fat, which was
+easily procurable in the arctic regions, in case their coal should fail.
+The schooner protected by its lining of oak, was further strengthened by
+transverse beams, so as to offer the greatest possible resistance to the
+pressure of the ice. Lastly, the front of it was armed with a spur of
+steel, to enable it to break its way through a thick field of ice. The
+vessel when placed on the stocks, was named the "Alaska," on account of
+the direction which she was destined to take. It had been decided that
+while the "Nordenskiold" should pursue the same route which the "Vega"
+had followed, that the second vessel should take an opposite direction
+around the world, and gain the Siberian Ocean, by the island of Alaska
+and Behring's Straits. The chances of meeting the Swedish expedition, or
+of discovering traces of her if she had perished would thus, they
+thought, be double, for while one vessel followed on her track, the
+other would, as it were, precede her.
+
+Erik, who had been the originator of this plan, had often asked himself
+which of the vessels he had better join, and he had finally concluded to
+attach himself to the second.
+
+The "Nordenskiold," he said to himself, would follow the same course as
+the "Vega." It was therefore necessary that she should be equally
+successful in making the first part of the voyage, and double Cape
+Tchelynskin, but they might not be able to do this, since it had only
+been accomplished once. Besides, the last news which they had received
+from the "Vega," she was only two or three hundred leagues from
+Behring's Straits; therefore they would have a better chance of meeting
+her. The "Nordenskiold" might follow her for many months without
+overtaking her. But the other vessel could hardly fail to meet her, if
+she was still in existence.
+
+The principal thing in Erik's eyes was to reach the "Vega" as quickly as
+possible, in order to meet Patrick O'Donoghan without delay.
+
+The doctor and Mr. Bredejord warmly approved of his motives when he
+explained them to them.
+
+The work of preparing the "Alaska" was pushed on as rapidly as possible.
+Her provisions, equipments, and the clothing, were all carefully chosen,
+for they profited by the experience of former Arctic explorers. Her crew
+were all experienced seamen, who had been inured to cold by frequent
+fishing voyages to Iceland and Greenland. Lastly, the captain chosen by
+the committee, was an officer of the Swedish marines, then in the
+employment of a maritime company, and well known on account of his
+voyages to the Arctic Ocean; his name was Lieutenant Marsilas. He chose
+for his first lieutenant Erik himself, who seemed designed for the
+position by the energy he had displayed in the service of the
+expedition, and who was also qualified by his diploma. The second and
+third officers were tried seamen, Mr. Bosewitz and Mr. Kjellguist.
+
+The "Alaska" carried some explosive material in order to break the ice,
+if it should be necessary, and abundant provisions of an anti-scorbutic
+character, in order to preserve the officers and crew from the common
+Arctic maladies. The vessel was furnished with a heater, in order to
+preserve an even temperature, and also with a portable observatory
+called a "raven's nest," which they could hoist to the top of the
+highest mast, in those regions where they meet with floating ice, to
+signal the approach of icebergs.
+
+By Erik's proposal this observatory contained a powerful electric light,
+which at night could illuminate the route of the "Alaska." Seven small
+boats, of which two were whale-boats, a steam-cutter, six sledges,
+snow-shoes for each of the crew, four Gatling cannons and thirty guns,
+with the necessary ammunition, were stored away on board. These
+preparations were approaching an end, when Mr. Hersebom and his son Otto
+arrived from Noroe with their large dog Kaas, and solicited the favor of
+being employed as seamen on board of the "Alaska." They knew from a
+letter of Erik's the strong personal interest which he had in this
+voyage, and they wished to share its dangers with him.
+
+Mr. Hersebom spoke of the value of his experience as a fisherman on the
+coast of Greenland, and of the usefulness of his dog Kaas, who could be
+used as a leader of the dogs which would be necessary to draw the
+sledges. Otto had only his good health, his herculean strength, and his
+devotion to the cause to recommend him. Thanks to the influence of the
+doctor and Mr. Bredejord, they were all three engaged by the committee.
+
+By the beginning of February, 1879, all was ready. The "Alaska" had
+therefore five months before the first of June to reach Behring's
+Straits, which was accounted the most favorable season for the
+exploration. They intended also to take the most direct route, that is
+to say, through the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, the Indian Ocean, and
+the China Seas, stopping successively to take in coal at Gibraltar,
+Aden, Colombo in Ceylon, Singapore, Hong Kong, Yokohama, and
+Petropaulosk.
+
+From all these stations the "Alaska" was to telegraph to Stockholm, and
+it was also agreed that, if in the meantime any news was received of the
+"Vega," they should not fail to send information.
+
+The voyage of the "Alaska," although intended primarily for an arctic
+exploration, would begin by a voyage through tropical seas, and along
+the continents most favored by the sun. The programme had not, however,
+been arranged to give them pleasure; it was the result of an imperative
+necessity, since they must reach Behring's Straits by the shortest route
+and remain in telegraphic communication with Stockholm up to the last
+moment. But a serious difficulty threatened to retard the expedition.
+They had spent so much in equipping the vessel that the funds which were
+indispensable for the success of the enterprise, began to run short.
+They would require considerable to purchase coal, and for other
+incidental expenses.
+
+A new appeal for money became necessary. As soon as it was issued the
+committee received two letters simultaneously.
+
+One was from Mr. Malarius, the public teacher of Noroe, and laureate of
+the Botanical Society. It contained a check for one hundred kroners, and
+begged that he might be attached to the expedition as the assistant
+naturalist of the "Alaska."
+
+The other contained a check for twenty-five thousand kroners, with this
+laconic note:
+
+     "For the voyage of the 'Alaska,' from Mr. Tudor Brown, on condition
+     that he is received as a passenger."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+UNEXPECTED PASSENGERS.
+
+
+The request of Mr. Malarius could only be received with gratitude by the
+committee. It was therefore passed enthusiastically, and the worthy
+teacher, whose reputation as a botanist was greater than he himself
+suspected, was appointed assistant naturalist of the expedition.
+
+As for the condition upon which Tudor Brown bestowed his donation of
+twenty-five thousand kroners, both Dr. Schwaryencrona and Mr. Bredejord
+were strongly inclined to refuse to grant it. But if called upon to give
+some motive for their repugnance, they had to confess that they would
+not know what to say. What sufficient reason could they give the
+committee if they asked them to refuse such a large subscription? They
+really had no valid one. Tudor Brown had called upon Dr. Schwaryencrona,
+and brought him a certified account of the death of Patrick O'Donoghan;
+and now Patrick O'Donoghan appeared to be living. But they could not
+prove that Tudor Brown had willfully deceived them in this matter, and
+the committee would require some sufficient cause before rejecting so
+large a sum. Tudor Brown could easily declare that he had been truthful.
+His present attitude seemed to prove it. Perhaps he intended to go
+himself, only to find out how Patrick O'Donoghan, whom he believed to
+have been drowned in the Straits of Madeira, could now be living on the
+shores of Siberia. But even supposing that Tudor Brown had other
+projects, it would be to their interest to find them out, and keep him
+in their hands. For, one of two facts was certain: either Tudor Brown
+had no interest in the search which had occupied Erik's friends for so
+long a time, and in that case it would be useless to treat him as an
+enemy; or he had some slight personal interest in the matter, and then
+it would be better to watch his plans, and overthrow them.
+
+The doctor and Mr. Bredejord therefore concluded that they would not
+oppose his becoming a passenger. Then they gradually were filled with a
+desire to study this singular man, and find out why he wished to take
+passage on the "Alaska." But how could they do this without sailing with
+him. It would not be such an absurd thing to do after all. The course
+which the "Alaska" was to take was a very attractive one, at least the
+first part of it. To be brief, Dr. Schwaryencrona, who was a great
+traveler, asked to be taken as a passenger, to accompany the expedition
+as far as the China seas, by paying such a price as the committee might
+judge proper.
+
+This example immediately acted with irresistible force upon Mr.
+Bredejord, who had dreamed for a long time about an excursion to the
+land of the Sun. He also solicited a cabin under the same conditions.
+
+Every one in Stockholm now believed that Mr. Hochstedt would do the
+same, partly out of scientific curiosity, and partly from terror at the
+thought of passing so many months without the society of his friends.
+But all Stockholm was deceived. The professor was strongly tempted to
+go, and he reviewed all the arguments for and against it, and found it
+almost impossible to arrive at any decision, but fate ordained that he
+should stay at home.
+
+The time of their departure was irrevocably fixed for the 10th of
+February. On the 9th Erik went to meet Mr. Malarius, and was agreeably
+surprised to see Dame Hersebom, and Vanda, who had come to bid him
+farewell. They were modestly intending to go to a hotel in the town, but
+the doctor insisted that they should come and stay with him, to the
+great displeasure of Kajsa, who did not think that they were
+sufficiently distinguished.
+
+Vanda was now a tall girl, whose beauty fulfilled its early promise. She
+had passed successfully a very difficult examination at Bergen which
+entitled her to take a professor's chair, in a superior school. But she
+preferred to remain at Noroe with her mother, and she was going to fill
+Mr. Malarius' place during his absence: always serious and gentle, she
+found in teaching a strange and inexplicable charm, but it had not
+changed the simplicity of her home life. This beautiful girl, in her
+quaint Norwegian costume, was able to give tranquilly her opinion on the
+deepest scientific subjects, or seat herself at the piano, and play with
+consummate skill a sonata of Beethoven. But her greatest charm was the
+absence of all pretension, and her perfectly natural manners. She no
+more thought of being vain of her talents, or of making any display of
+them, than she did of blushing on account of her rural costume. She
+bloomed like some wild flower, that, growing beside the fiord, had been
+transplanted by her old master, and cultivated and cherished in his
+little garden behind the school.
+
+In the evening all Erik's adopted family were assembled in the parlor of
+Dr. Schwaryencrona; Mr. Bredejord and the doctor were about to play a
+last game of whist with Mr. Hochstedt. They discovered that Mr. Malarius
+was also an authority in this noble game, which would enable them to
+while away many leisure hours on board the "Alaska." Unfortunately the
+worthy instructor also told them, at the same time, that he was always a
+victim of sea-sickness, and nearly always confined to his bed as soon as
+he set foot upon a vessel. Only his affection for Erik had induced him
+to join the expedition, added to the ambition, long fondly cherished, of
+being able to add some more varieties to his catalogue of botanical
+families.
+
+After which they had a little music: Kajsa, with a disdainful air,
+played a fashionable waltz; Vanda sung an old Scandinavian melody with a
+sweetness that surprised them all. The tea was served, and a large bowl
+of punch, which they drunk to the success of the expedition, followed.
+Erik noticed that Kajsa avoided touching his glass.
+
+"Will you not wish me a happy voyage?" he said to her, in a low tone.
+
+"What is the use of wishing for what we do not expect to see granted?"
+she answered.
+
+The next morning, at day-break, every one went on board, except Tudor
+Brown.
+
+Since the receipt of his letter containing the check they had not heard
+a word from him.
+
+The time of departure had been fixed for ten o'clock. At the first
+stroke, the commander, Mr. Marsilas, had the anchor hoisted, and rang
+the bell to warn all visitors to leave the ship.
+
+"Adieu, Erik!" cried Vanda, throwing her arms around his neck.
+
+"Adieu, my son!" said Katrina, pressing the young lieutenant to her
+heart.
+
+"And you, Kajsa, have you nothing to say to me?" he asked, as he walked
+toward her as if to embrace her also.
+
+"I hope that you will not get your nose frozen, and that you will
+discover that you are a prince in disguise!" said she, laughing
+impertinently.
+
+"If that should happen, then at least I might hope to win a little of
+your affection?" he said, trying to smile, to hide his feelings, for her
+sarcasm had cut him to the heart.
+
+"Do you doubt it?" answered Kajsa, as she turned toward her uncle, to
+show that her adieu to him was finished.
+
+The time of departure had indeed come. The warning bell rang
+imperiously.
+
+The crowd of visitors descended the stairs to the boats which were
+waiting for them.
+
+In the midst of this confusion every one noticed the arrival of a tardy
+passenger, who mounted to the deck with his valise in his hand.
+
+The tardy one was Tudor Brown. He presented himself to the captain, and
+claimed his cabin, to which he was immediately shown.
+
+A moment later, after two or three prolonged whistles, the engine began
+to work, and a sea of foam whitening the waters behind her, the "Alaska"
+glided majestically over the green waters of the Baltic, and soon left
+Stockholm behind her, followed by the acclamations of the crowd who were
+waving their hats and handkerchiefs.
+
+Erik, on the bridge, directed the maneuvers of the vessel, while Mr.
+Bredejord and the doctor waved a last farewell to Vanda from the deck.
+
+Mr. Malarius, already frightfully seasick, had retired to his bed. They
+were all so occupied with saying farewell that not one of them had
+noticed the arrival of Tudor Brown.
+
+Therefore the doctor could not repress a start of surprise when as he
+turned around, he saw him ascending from the depths of the vessel, and
+marching straight toward him, with his hands in his pockets, clothed as
+he had been at their first interview, and with his hat always seemingly
+glued to his head.
+
+"Fine weather!" said Tudor Brown, by way of salutation and introduction.
+
+The doctor was stupefied by his effrontery. He waited for some moments
+to see if this strange man would make any excuse, or give any
+explanation of his conduct.
+
+Seeing that he did not intend to say anything, he opened the subject
+himself.
+
+"Well, sir, it appears that Patrick O'Donoghan is not dead, as we
+supposed!" he said, with his customary vivacity.
+
+"That is precisely what I want to find out, and it is on that account I
+have undertaken this voyage."
+
+After saying this, Tudor Brown turned away, and began to walk up and
+down the deck, whistling his favorite air, appearing to think that his
+explanation was perfectly satisfactory.
+
+Erik and Mr. Bredejord listened to this conversation with a natural
+curiosity. They had never seen Tudor Brown before, and they studied him
+attentively, even more so than Dr. Schwaryencrona. It seemed to them
+that the man, although he affected indifference, cast a furtive glance
+at them from time to time, to see what impression he made upon them.
+Perceiving this, they also immediately feigned to take no notice of him,
+and did not address a word to him. But as soon as they descended to the
+saloon, upon which their cabins opened, they took counsel together.
+
+"What could have been Tudor Brown's motive in trying to make them
+believe that Patrick O'Donoghan was dead? And what was his purpose in
+taking this voyage upon the 'Alaska'? It was impossible for them to say.
+But it was difficult not to believe that it had some connection with the
+shipwreck of the 'Cynthia,' and the infant tied to the buoy. The only
+interest which Patrick O'Donoghan had for Erik and his friends, was the
+fact of his supposed knowledge of the affair, and this was their only
+reason for seeking for him. Now they had before them a man who was
+uninvited, and who had come to them, and declared that Patrick
+O'Donoghan was dead. And this man had forced his society upon the
+members of the expedition, as soon as his assertion in the most
+unexpected manner had been proved to be false. They were therefore
+obliged to conclude that he had some personal interest in the matter,
+and the fact of his seeking out Doctor Schwaryencrona indicated the
+connection between his interests, and the inquiries instituted by the
+doctor."
+
+All these facts therefore seemed to indicate that Tudor Brown was in
+this problem a factor quite as important as Patrick O'Donoghan himself.
+Who could tell whether he was not already in possession of the secret
+which they were trying to elucidate? If this was the case, was it a
+happy thing for them that they had him on board, or should they rather
+be disturbed by his presence?
+
+Mr. Bredejord inclined to the latter opinion, and did not consider his
+appearance among them as at all reassuring. The doctor, on the other
+side, argued that Tudor Brown might have acted in good faith, and also
+that he might be honest at heart, notwithstanding his unattractive
+exterior.
+
+"If he knows anything," said he, "we can hope that the familiarity which
+a long voyage necessarily produces may induce him to speak out; in that
+case it would be a stroke of good luck to have had him with us. At least
+we shall see what he can have to do with O'Donoghan, if we ever find the
+Irishman."
+
+As for Erik, he did not even dare to express the sentiments which the
+sight of this man awakened in him. It was more than repulsion, it was
+positive hatred, and an instinctive desire to rush upon him and throw
+him into the sea. He was convinced that this man had had some share in
+the misfortune of his life, but he would have blushed to abandon himself
+to such a conviction, or even to speak of it. He contented himself with
+saying that he would never have allowed Tudor Brown to come on board if
+he had had any voice in the matter.
+
+How should they treat him?
+
+On this point also they were divided. The doctor declared that it would
+be politic to treat Tudor Brown with at least outward courtesy, in the
+hope of inducing him to speak out. Mr. Bredejord, as well as Erik, felt
+a great repugnance to act out such a comedy, and it was by no means
+certain that Dr. Schwaryencrona himself would be able to conform to his
+own programme. They determined to leave the matter to be decided by
+circumstances, and the behavior of Tudor Brown himself.
+
+They did not have to wait long. Precisely at midday the bell rang for
+dinner. Mr. Bredejord and the doctor, went to the table of the
+commander. There they found Tudor Brown already seated, with his hat on
+his head, and he did not manifest the least inclination to enter into
+any relations with his neighbors. The man proved to be so rude and
+coarse that he disarmed indignation. He seemed to be ignorant of the
+simplest rules of politeness. He helped himself first, chose the best
+portions, and ate and drank like an ogre. Two or three times the
+commander, and Dr. Schwaryencrona addressed a few words to him. He did
+not even deign to speak, but answered them by gestures.
+
+That did not prevent him however, when he had finished his repast, and
+armed himself with an enormous tooth-pick, from throwing himself back in
+his seat, and saying to Mr. Marsilas:
+
+"What day shall we reach Gibraltar?"
+
+"About the nineteenth or twentieth I think," answered the captain.
+
+Tudor Brown drew a book from his pocket, and examined his calendar.
+
+"That will bring us to Malta on the twenty-second, to Alexandria on the
+twenty-fifth, and to Aden at the end of the month," said he, as if
+speaking to himself.
+
+Then he got up, and going on deck again, began to pace up and down.
+
+"A pleasant traveling companion truly," Mr. Marsilas could not help
+saying.
+
+Mr. Bredejord was about to answer, when a frightful noise at the head of
+the staircase prevented him. They heard cries, and barking, and a
+confusion of voices. Everybody arose and ran on deck.
+
+The tumult had been caused by Kaas, Mr. Hersebom's Greenland dog. It
+seemed that he did not approve of Mr. Tudor Brown, for after evincing
+his displeasure by low growls every time he passed and repassed him, he
+finished by seizing him by the legs. Tudor Brown had drawn his revolver
+from his pocket, and was about to use it when Otto appeared on the scene
+and prevented him from doing so, and then sent Kaas away to his kennel.
+A stormy discussion then took place. Tudor Brown, white with rage and
+terror, insisted that the dog's brains should be blown out. Mr.
+Hersebom, who had come to the rescue, protested warmly against such a
+project.
+
+The commander arriving at this moment, settled the matter by desiring
+Tudor Brown to put away his revolver, and decreeing that henceforth Kaas
+must be kept chained.
+
+This ridiculous incident was the only one that varied the monotony of
+their first days of voyaging. Every one became accustomed to the silence
+and strange manners of Tudor Brown. At the captain's table they at
+length took no more notice of him than if he had not been in existence.
+Everybody pursued their own avocations.
+
+Mr. Malarius, after passing two days in bed, was able to crawl upon
+deck, he commenced to eat, and was soon able to take his place at the
+innumerable whist parties of the doctor and Mr. Bredejord.
+
+Erik, very much occupied with his business as lieutenant, spent every
+spare moment in reading.
+
+On the eleventh they passed the island of Oland, on the thirteenth they
+reached Shayer Rock, passed through the sound, signaled Heligoland on
+the fourteenth, and on the sixteenth they doubled Cape Hogue.
+
+On the following night Erik was sleeping in his cabin when he was
+awakened by a sudden silence, and perceived that he no longer felt the
+vibrations of the engine. He was not however alarmed, for he knew that
+Mr. Kjellguist was in charge of the vessel; but out of curiosity he
+arose and went on deck to see what had happened.
+
+He was told by the chief engineer that the engine had broken down, and
+that they would be compelled to extinguish the fires. They could
+proceed, however, under sail, with alight breeze from the south-west.
+
+A careful inspection threw no light on the cause of the damage, and the
+engineer asked permission to repair to the nearest port to repair the
+injury.
+
+Commander Marsilas, after a personal examination, was of the same
+opinion. They found that they were thirty miles from Brest, and the
+order was given to steer for the great French port.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE SHIPWRECK.
+
+
+The next day the "Alaska" entered the harbor of Brest. The damage which
+she had sustained was fortunately not important. An engineer who was
+applied to immediately promised that her injuries should be repaired in
+three days. It was therefore not a very serious delay, and they could
+make up for it in a measure by taking in coal. They would therefore not
+be obliged to stop at Gibraltar for this purpose, as they had at first
+intended. Their next stopping-place was to be at Malta, which they hoped
+to reach twenty-four hours earlier than they had at first expected, and
+thus would reduce the time of their delay in reality to two days. They
+therefore had nothing to worry themselves about, and everyone felt
+disposed to view the accident in the most philosophical manner.
+
+It soon became evident that their mischance was going to be turned into
+a festival. In a few hours the arrival of the "Alaska" became known
+through the town, and as the newspapers made known the object of the
+expedition, the commander of the Swedish vessel soon found himself the
+recipient of the most flattering attentions. The admiral and Mayor of
+Brest, the commander of the port, and the captains of the vessels which
+were lying at anchor, all came to pay an official visit to Captain
+Marsilas. A dinner and a ball were tendered to the hardy explorers, who
+were to take part in the search for the "Nordenskiold." Although the
+doctor and Mr. Malarius cared little for such gatherings, they were
+obliged to take their places at the table which was prepared for them.
+As for Mr. Bredejord, he was in his true element.
+
+Among the friends invited by the admiral, was a grand-looking old man
+with a refined but sad countenance. He soon attracted Erik's attention,
+who felt a sympathy for him which he could hardly explain. It was Mr.
+Durrien, Honorary Consul-general, and an active member of the
+Geographical Society, who was well known on account of his travels and
+researches in Asia Minor and the Soudan.
+
+Erik had read his works with very great interest, and he mentioned that
+he had done so, when he had been presented to the French _savant_, who
+experienced a feeling of satisfaction as he listened to the enthusiastic
+young man.
+
+It is often the fate of travelers, when their adventures make a stir in
+the world, to receive the loud admiration of the crowd; but to find that
+their labors are appreciated, by those who are well informed and capable
+of judging, does not occur so frequently. Therefore the respectful
+curiosity of Erik went straight to the heart of the old geographer, and
+brought a smile to his pale lips.
+
+"I have never attached any great merit to my discoveries," he said, in
+reply to a few words from Erik, regarding the fortunate excavations
+which had recently been made. "I went ahead seeking, to forget my own
+cruel misfortunes, and not caring so much for the results as I did for
+prosecuting a work which was in entire accordance with my tastes. Chance
+has done the rest."
+
+Seeing Erik and Mr. Durrien so friendly, the admiral took care to seat
+them together at table, so that they could continue their conversation
+during dinner.
+
+As they were taking their coffee, the young lieutenant of the "Alaska"
+was accosted by a little bald-headed man, who had been introduced to him
+as Dr. Kergaridec, who asked him without any preamble to what country he
+belonged. A little surprised at first by the question, Erik answered
+that he was from Sweden, or, to be more exact, from Norway, and that his
+family lived in the province of Bergen. Then he inquired his motive for
+asking the question.
+
+"My motive is a very simple one," answered his interlocutor. "For an
+hour I have been studying your face across the table, while we were at
+dinner, and I have never seen anywhere such a perfect type of the Celt
+as I behold in you! I must tell you that I am devoted to Celtic studies,
+and it is the first time that I have met with this type among the
+Scandinavians. Perhaps this is a precious indication for science, and we
+may be able to place Norway among the regions visited by our Gaelic
+ancestors?"
+
+Erik was about to explain to the worthy _savant_ the reasons which would
+invalidate this hypothesis, when Dr. Kergaridec turned away to pay his
+respects to a lady who had just entered the room, and their conversation
+was not resumed.
+
+The young lieutenant of the "Alaska" would probably never have thought
+of this incident again, but the next day as they were passing through a
+street near the market, Dr. Schwaryencrona said suddenly to him:
+
+"My dear child, if I have ever had a doubt as to your Celtic origin, I
+should have lost it here. See how you resemble these Bretons. They have
+the same brown eyes, black hair, bony neck, colored skin and general
+appearance. Bredejord may say what he likes, but you are a pure-blooded
+Celt--you may depend upon it." Erik then told him what old Dr.
+Kergaridec had said to him, and Dr. Schwaryencrona was so delighted that
+he could not talk of anything else all the day.
+
+With the other passengers of the "Alaska," Tudor Brown had received and
+accepted an invitation from the prefect. They thought up to the last
+moment that he would go in his accustomed dress, for he had made his
+appearance in it just as they were all going ashore to the dinner. But
+doubtless the necessity of removing his precious hat appeared too hard
+to him, for they saw him no more that evening.
+
+When he returned after the ball, Erik learned from Mr. Hersebom that
+Tudor Brown had returned at seven o'clock and dined alone. After that,
+he had entered the captain's room to consult a marine chart; then he had
+returned to the town in the same small boat which had brought him on
+board.
+
+This was the last news which they received of him.
+
+The next evening at five o'clock Tudor Brown had not made his
+appearance. He knew, however, that the machinery of the "Alaska" would
+be repaired by that time, and her fires kindled, after which it would be
+impossible to defer her departure. The captain had been careful to
+notify every one. He gave the order to hoist the anchor.
+
+The vessel had been loosened from her moorings when a small boat was
+signaled making all speed toward them. Every one believed that it
+carried Tudor Brown, but they soon saw that it was only a letter which
+had been sent on board. It occasion general surprise when it was
+discovered that this letter was directed to Erik.
+
+When he opened it, Erik found that it simply contained the card of Mr.
+Durrien, the Honorary Consul-general, and member of the Geographical
+Society, with these words written in pencil:
+
+"A good voyage--a speedy return."
+
+We can not explain Erik's feelings.
+
+This attention from an amiable and distinguished _savant_ brought tears
+to his eyes. In leaving this hospitable shore where he had remained
+three days, it seemed to him as if he was leaving his own country. He
+placed Mr. Durrien's card in his memorandum book, and said to himself
+that this adieu from an old man could not fail to bring him good luck.
+
+It was now the 20th of February. The weather was fine. The sun had sunk
+below the horizon, leaving a sky as cloudless as that of summer.
+
+Erik had the watch during the first quarter, and he walked the
+quarter-deck with a light step. It seemed to him that, with the
+departure of Tudor Brown, the evil genius of the expedition had
+disappeared.
+
+"Provided that he does not intend to rejoin us at Malta or Suez," he
+said to himself.
+
+It was possible--indeed, even probable--if Tudor Brown wished to spare
+himself the long voyage which the "Alaska" would make before reaching
+Egypt. While the vessel was going around the coasts of France and Spain,
+he could, if it so pleased him, stay for a week in Paris, or at any
+other place, and then take the mail packet either to Alexandria or Suez,
+and rejoin the "Alaska" at either of those places; or he could even
+defer doing so until they reached Singapore or Yokohama.
+
+But this was only a possibility. The fact was that he was no longer on
+board, and that he could not cast a damper upon the spirits of the
+company.
+
+Their dinner, also, which they took at six o'clock, as usual, was the
+gayest which they had yet sat down to. At dessert they drank to the
+success of the expedition, and every one, in his heart, associated it,
+more or less, with the absence of Tudor Brown. Then they went on deck
+and smoked their cigars.
+
+It was a dark night, but in the distance toward the north they could see
+the light of Cape Saint Matthew. They soon signaled, also, the little
+light on the shore at Bec-du-Raze, which proved that they were in their
+right course. A good breeze from the north-east accelerated the speed of
+the vessel, which rolled very little, although the sea was quite rough.
+
+As the dinner-party reached the deck, one of the sailors approached the
+captain, and said: "Six knots and a quarter."
+
+"In that case we shall not want any more coal until we arrive at
+Behring's Straits," answered the captain. After saying these words, he
+left the doctor and went down to his room. There he selected a large
+chart, which he spread out before him under a brilliant light, which was
+suspended from the ceiling. It was a map of the British Admiralty, and
+indicated all the details of the course which the "Alaska" intended to
+take. The shores, the islands, the sand-banks, the light-houses,
+revolving lights, and the most minute details were all clearly marked
+out. With such a chart and a compass it seemed as if even a child might
+be able to guide the largest ship through these perilous passes; and
+yet, a distinguished officer of the French Navy, Lieutenant Mage, who
+had explored the Niger, had been lost in these waters, with all his
+companions, and his vessel, the "Magician."
+
+It had happened that Captain Marsilas had never before navigated in
+these waters. In fact, it was only the necessity of stopping at Brest
+which had brought him here now, otherwise he would have passed a long
+distance from shore. Therefore he was careful to study his chart
+attentively, in order to keep his proper course. It seemed a very easy
+matter, keeping on his left the Pointe-du-Van, the Bec-du-Raze, and the
+Island of Sein, the legendary abode of the nine Druidesses, and which
+was nearly always veiled by the spray of the roaring waters; he had only
+to run straight to the west and to the south to reach the open sea. The
+light on the island indicated clearly his position, and according to the
+chart, the island ended in rocky heights, bordered by the open sea,
+whose depth reached one hundred meters. The light on the island was a
+useful guide on a dark night, and he resolved to keep closer to it than
+he would have done in broad daylight. He therefore ascended to the deck,
+and told Erik to sail twenty-five degrees toward the southwest.
+
+This order appeared to surprise the young lieutenant.
+
+"To the south-west, did you say?" he asked in a respectful manner,
+believing that he had been mistaken.
+
+"Yes, I said to the south-west!" repeated the commander, dryly: "Do you
+not like this route?"
+
+"Since you ask me the question, captain, I must confess that I do not. I
+should have preferred running west for some time."
+
+"To what purpose? we should only lose another night."
+
+The commander spoke in a tone that did not permit of any contradiction,
+and Erik gave the order which he had received. After all the captain was
+an experienced seaman in whom they might have perfect confidence.
+
+Slight as was the change in her course, it sufficed to modify sensibly
+the sailing of the vessel. The "Alaska" commenced to roll a great deal,
+and to dip her prow in the waves. The log indicated fourteen knots, and
+as the wind was increasing, Erik thought it prudent to take a couple of
+reefs.
+
+The doctor and Mr. Bredejord both became a prey to seasickness, and
+descended to their cabins. The captain, who had for some time been
+pacing up and down the deck, soon followed their example.
+
+He had hardly entered his own apartment when Erik stood before him.
+
+"Captain," said the young man, "I have heard suspicious noises, like
+waves breaking over rocks. I feel conscientiously bound to tell you that
+in my opinion we are following a dangerous route."
+
+"Certainly, sir, you are gifted with tenaciousness," cried the captain.
+"What danger can you fear when we have this light at least three good
+miles, if not four, distant from us?"
+
+And he impatiently with his finger pointed out their position upon the
+chart, which he had kept spread out upon his table.
+
+Erik followed the direction of his finger, and he saw clearly that the
+island was surrounded by very deep waters. Nothing could be more
+decisive and reassuring, in the eyes of a mariner. But still he felt
+sure that it was not an illusion, those noises which he had heard, and
+which certainly were made by waves breaking upon a rocky shore very
+close to them.
+
+It was a strange case, and Erik hardly liked to acknowledge it to
+himself, but it did not seem to him that he could recognize in this
+profile of the coast which lay spread out before his eyes the dangerous
+spot which he remembered in the same geographical studies which he had
+pursued. But could he venture to oppose his dim impressions and vague
+remembrances against a chart of the British Admiralty? Erik dared not do
+it. These charts are made expressly to guard navigators against errors
+or any illusions of their memory. He therefore bowed respectfully to his
+chief and returned to his position on deck.
+
+He had scarcely reached it when he heard this cry resounding through the
+vessel, "Breakers on the starboard!" followed almost immediately by a
+second shout of "Breakers on the larboard!"
+
+There was a loud whistle and a clattering of many feet followed by a
+series of effective maneuvers. The "Alaska" slackened her course, and
+tried to back out. The captain made a rush up the stairs.
+
+At this moment he heard a grating noise, then suddenly a terrible shock
+which shook the vessel from prow to stern. Then all was silent, and the
+"Alaska" remained motionless.
+
+She was wedged in between two submarine rocks.
+
+Commander Marsilas, his head bleeding from a fall, mounted the deck,
+where the greatest confusion reigned. The dismayed sailors made a rush
+for the boats. The waves dashed furiously over the rocks upon which the
+vessel had been shipwrecked. The distant light-houses, with their fixed
+lights, seemed to reproach the "Alaska" for having thrown herself into
+the dangers which it was their duty to point out. Erik tried vainly to
+penetrate through the gloom and discover the extent of the damage which
+the vessel had sustained.
+
+"What is the matter?" cried the captain, still half-stunned by his fall.
+
+"By sailing south-west, sir, according to your orders, we have run upon
+breakers," replied Erik.
+
+Commander Marsilas did not say a word. What could he answer? He turned
+on his heel, and walked toward the staircase again.
+
+Their situation was a tragical one, although they did not appear to be
+in any immediate peril. The vessel remained motionless between the rocks
+which seemed to hold her firmly, and their adventure appeared to be more
+sad than frightful. Erik had only one thought--the expedition was
+brought to a full stop--his hope of finding Patrick O'Donoghan was lost.
+
+He had scarcely made his somewhat hasty reply to the captain, which had
+been dictated by this bitter disappointment, than he regretted having
+done so. He therefore left the deck to go in search of his superior
+officer with the generous intention of comforting him, if it were
+possible to do so. But the captain had disappeared, and three minutes
+had not elapsed when a detonation was heard.
+
+Erik ran to his room. The door was fastened on the inside. He forced it
+open with a blow of his fist.
+
+Commander Marsilas lay stretched out upon the carpet, with a revolver in
+his right hand, and a bullet wound in his forehead.
+
+Seeing that the vessel was shipwrecked by his fault, he had blown his
+brains out. Death had been instantaneous. The doctor and Mr. Bredejord,
+who had run in after the young lieutenant, could only verify the sad
+fact.
+
+But there was no time for vain regrets. Erik left to his two friends the
+care of lifting the body and laying it upon the couch. His duty
+compelled him to return to the deck, and attend to the safety of the
+crew and passengers.
+
+As he passed the door of Mr. Malarius, the excellent man, who had been
+awakened by the stopping of the vessel, and also by the report of the
+pistol, opened his door and put out his white head, covered by his black
+silk night-cap. He had been sleeping ever since they left Brest, and was
+therefore ignorant of all that had occurred.
+
+"Ah, well, what is it? Has anything happened?" he asked quietly.
+
+"What has happened?" replied Erik. "My dear master, the 'Alaska' has
+been cast upon breakers, and the captain has killed himself!"
+
+"Oh!" said Mr. Malarius, overcome with surprise. "Then, my dear child,
+adieu to our expedition!"
+
+"That is another affair," said Erik. "I am not dead, and as long as a
+spark of life remains in me, I shall say, 'Go forward!'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ON THE ROCKS.
+
+
+The "Alaska" had been thrown upon the rocks with such violence that she
+remained perfectly motionless, and the situation did not appear to be
+immediately dangerous for her crew and passengers. The waves,
+encountering this unusual obstacle, beat over the deck, and covered
+everything with their spray; but the sea was not rough enough to make
+this state of affairs dangerous. If the weather did not change, day
+would break without any further disaster. Erik saw this at a glance. He
+had naturally taken command of the vessel, as he was the first officer.
+Having given orders to close the port-holes and scuttles carefully, and
+to throw tarred cloths over all openings, in case the sea should become
+rougher, he descended to the bottom of the hold, in company with the
+master carpenter. There he saw with great satisfaction that no water had
+entered. The exterior covering of the "Alaska" had protected her, and
+the precaution which they had taken against polar icebergs had proved
+very efficacious against the rocky coast; in fact the engine had stopped
+at once, being disarranged by the frightful shock, but it had produced
+no explosion, and they had, therefore, no vital damage to deplore. Erik
+resolved to wait for daybreak, and then disembark his passengers if it
+should prove necessary.
+
+He, therefore, contented himself with firing a cannon to ask aid from
+the inhabitants of the Island of Sein, and with dispatching his small
+steam launch to L'Orient.
+
+He said to himself, that at no place would they find the means of
+repairing their damages so promptly and well as at this great maritime
+arsenal of Western France.
+
+Thus in this glooming hour when every one on board believed that their
+chances were irretrievably lost, he already began to feel hopeful, or
+rather he was one of those courageous souls who know no discouragement
+and never confess themselves vanquished.
+
+"If we can only get the 'Alaska' off these rocks, everything may yet go
+well with us," he said.
+
+But he was careful not to express this hope to the others, who would
+doubtless have considered it chimerical. He only told them when he
+returned from his visit to the hold that they were in no danger at
+present, and that there was plenty of time for them to receive aid.
+
+Then he ordered a distribution of tea and rum to all the crew.
+
+This sufficed to put these children of a larger growth in a good humor,
+and their little steam-boat was speedily launched.
+
+Some rockets from the light-house of Sein soon announced that aid was
+coming to the assistance of the shipwrecked vessel. Red lights now
+became visible, and voices hailed them. They answered that they had been
+shipwrecked upon the rocks surrounding Sein.
+
+It was a full hour before the boat could reach them. The breakers were
+so strong that the attempt was perilous. But at length six men succeeded
+in seizing a small cable, and hoisting themselves on board of the
+"Alaska."
+
+They were six rude fishermen of Sein--strong, intrepid fellows--and it
+was not the first time they had gone to the assistance of shipwrecked
+mariners. They fully approved of the idea of sending to L'Orient for
+assistance, for their little port could not offer the necessary
+resources. It was agreed that two of them should depart in the little
+steamer with Mr. Hersebom and Otto, as soon as the moon arose above the
+horizon. While they were waiting for it to do so, they gave some account
+of the place where they were shipwrecked.
+
+The rocks extend in a westerly direction for nine miles beyond the
+Island of Sein. They are divided into two parts, which are called the
+Pont du Sein and the Basse Froid.
+
+The Pont du Sein is about four miles long, and a mile and a half wide.
+It is composed of a succession of high rocks, which form a chain above
+the waters. The Basse Froid extends beyond the Pont du Sein for five
+miles, and is two thirds of a mile wide; it consist of a great number of
+rocks of about an equal height, which can be seen at a great distance.
+The principal rocks are the Cornengen, Schomeur, Cornoc-ar-Goulet-Bas-ven,
+Madiou and Ar-men. These are the least dangerous, because they can be
+seen. The number and irregularity of their points under the water are
+not fully known, for the sea beats over them with extreme violence, the
+force of the current is very strong, and they are the scene of many
+shipwrecks. Light-houses have been erected on the Island of Sein and at
+Bec-du-Raze, so that these rocks can be seen and avoided by vessels
+coming from the west, but they are very dangerous for vessels coming
+from the south. Unfortunately there is no rock or small island at the
+extreme end where a signal could be placed, and the turbulence of the
+waters will not permit a floating one to be placed there. Therefore it
+was resolved to build a light-house on the rock Ar-men, which is three
+miles from the extreme point. This work is so extremely difficult that
+although it was commenced in 1867, twelve years later, in 1879, it was
+only half built. They say that during the latter year it was only
+possible to work for eight hours, although the workmen were always
+ready to seize a favorable moment. The light-house therefore was not
+yet completed at the time when the "Alaska" met with her disaster. But
+this did not suffice to explain how, after leaving Brest, they had been
+run into such peril. Erik promised himself that he would solve this
+difficulty as soon as the little steam-boat had been dispatched for
+aid. This departure was easily effected, the moon having soon made its
+appearance. The young captain then appointed the night watch, and sent
+the rest of the crew to bed, then he descended to the captain's room.
+
+Mr. Bredejord, Mr. Malarius, and the doctor were keeping watch beside
+the corpse. They arose as soon as they saw Erik.
+
+"My poor child, what is the cause of this sad state of things? How did
+it happen?" asked the doctor.
+
+"It is inexplicable," answered the young man, looking at the chart which
+lay open upon the table. "I felt instinctively that we were out of our
+route, and I said so; but in my estimation we are at least three miles
+from the light-house; and all the seamen agree with me," he added,
+designating a spot with his finger on the map--and you see no danger is
+indicated--no sand-banks or rocks. This coloring indicates deep water.
+It is inconceivable how the mistake can have occurred. We can not
+suppose that a chart of the British Admiralty can be at fault, for it is
+a region well known to mariners, as it has been minutely explored for
+centuries!"
+
+"Is it not possible to make a mistake as to our position? Could not one
+light be mistaken for another?" asked Mr. Bredejord.
+
+"That is scarcely possible in a voyage as short as ours has been since
+we left Brest," said Erik. "Remember that we have not lost sight of
+land for a moment, and that we have been passing from one point to
+another. We can only suppose that one of the lights indicated on the
+chart has not been lighted or that some supplementary light has been
+added--in a word, we must imagine what is highly improbable. Our course
+has been so regular, the soundings have been so carefully made, that it
+seems impossible that we could have mistaken our route, and yet the fact
+remains that we are on the rocks, when we ought to have been some
+distance out to sea."
+
+"But how is it going to end? That is what I want to know," cried the
+doctor.
+
+"We shall soon see," answered Erik, "if the maritime authorities show
+any eagerness to come to our assistance. For the present the best thing
+that every one can do is to go quietly to bed, since we are as secure as
+if we were at anchor in some quiet bay."
+
+The young commander did not add that it was his intention to keep watch
+while his friends slept.
+
+Nevertheless this is what he did for the remainder of the night,
+sometimes promenading the deck and encouraging the men, sometimes
+descending for a few minutes to the saloon.
+
+As day commenced to dawn he had the satisfaction of perceiving that the
+waves visibly receded, and if they continued to do so the "Alaska" would
+be left almost on dry rocks. This gave him hope of being able speedily
+to determine the extent of the damage which the vessel had received,
+and, in fact, toward seven o'clock they were able to proceed with this
+examination.
+
+They found that three points of the rocks had pierced the "Alaska," and
+held her firmly on her rocky bed. The direction in which she lay,
+slightly inclined to the north, which was contrary to her course, showed
+that the commands given by Erik to back the vessel had saved her, and
+also rendered the shock, when she struck, less severe. The engine had
+been reversed some seconds before she touched, and she had been carried
+on the reef by the remainder of her previous speed, and by the force of
+the current. Doubtless but for this she would have gone to pieces.
+Besides, the waves having continued to break against her all night in
+the same direction, had helped to keep her in her place instead of
+fixing her more firmly on the rocks, which would have happened if the
+wind had changed. So, after all, there was a favorable view to take of
+the disaster. The question now was how to get the vessel off before the
+wind should change, and reverse these favorable conditions.
+
+Erik resolved not to lose a moment. Immediately after breakfast he set
+all his men to work. He hoped that when the tow-boat should arrive,
+which he had sent for from L'Orient, it might be possible at high tide
+to disengage the "Alaska."
+
+We can therefore imagine that the young captain waited impatiently for
+the first trace of smoke upon the horizon.
+
+All turned out as he desired. The water remained calm and peaceful.
+Toward noon the boat arrived.
+
+Erik, with his staff, received the mariners with due honors.
+
+"But explain to me," said the captain of the tow-boat, "how you came to
+cast your vessel on these rocks after leaving Brest?"
+
+"This chart will explain it," said Erik. "It does not point out any such
+danger."
+
+The French officer examined the chart with curiosity at first, and then
+he looked stupefied.
+
+"In fact the Basse-Froide is not marked down, nor the point of Sein," he
+cried. "What unparalleled negligence. Why, even the position of the
+light-house is not correctly marked. I am more and more surprised. This
+is a chart of the British Admiralty. I should say that some one has
+taken pleasure in making it as deceitful and perfidious as possible.
+Navigators of olden times frequently played such tricks upon their
+rivals. I should never have believed such traditions would be imitated
+in England."
+
+"Are you sure that this is an English chart?" asked Mr. Bredejord. "For
+myself I suspect that the chart is the work of a rascal, and has been
+placed with criminal intentions among the charts of the 'Alaska.'"
+
+"By Tudor Brown!" cried Erik, impetuously. "That evening when we dined
+with the authorities at Brest he entered the captain's room upon the
+pretense of examining the charts. Oh, the infamous wretch! This then is
+the reason that he did not come on board again!"
+
+"It appears to be only too evident that he is the culprit," said Dr.
+Schwaryencrona. "But such a dastardly action betrays such an abyss of
+iniquity. What motive could he have for committing such a crime?"
+
+"What was his motive in coming to Stockholm, expressly to tell you that
+Patrick O'Donoghan was dead?" answered Mr. Bredejord. "For what purpose
+did he subscribe twenty thousand kroners for the voyage of the 'Alaska,'
+when it was doubtful if she would ever make the journey? Why did he
+embark with us to leave us at Brest? I think we must be blind indeed if
+we do not see in these facts a chain of evidence as logical as it is
+frightful. What interest has Tudor Brown in all this? I do not know. But
+this interest must be very strong, very powerful, to induce him to have
+recourse to such means to prevent our journey; for I am convinced now
+that it was he who caused the accident which detained us at Brest, and
+it was he who led us upon these rocks, where he expected we would all
+lose our lives."
+
+"It seems difficult, however, to believe that he could have foreseen the
+route that Captain Marsilas would choose!" objected Mr. Malarias. "Why
+did he not indicate this route by altering the chart? After delaying us
+for three days, he felt certain that the captain would take the shortest
+way. The latter, believing that the waters were safe around Sein, was
+thrown upon the rocks."
+
+"It is true," said Erik; "but the proof that the result of his maneuvers
+was uncertain lies in the fact that I insisted, before Captain Marsilas,
+that we ought still to keep to the west."
+
+"But who knows whether he has not prepared other charts to lead us
+astray, in case this one failed to do so?" said Mr. Bredejord.
+
+"That is easily determined," answered Erik, who went and brought all the
+charts and maps that were in the case.
+
+The first one which they opened was that of Corunna, and at a glance the
+French officer pointed out two or three grave errors. The second was
+that of Cape Vincent. It was the same.
+
+The third was that of Gibraltar. Here the errors were apparent to every
+eye. A more thorough examination would have been superfluous, as it was
+impossible to doubt any longer. If the "Alaska" had not been shipwrecked
+on the Island of Sein, this fate would surely have awaited her before
+she could have reached Malta.
+
+A careful examination of the charts revealed the means which had been
+employed to effect these changes. They were undoubtedly English charts,
+but they had been partly effaced by some chemical process, and then
+retouched so as to indicate false routes among the true ones. They had
+been recolored so skillfully that only a very slight difference in the
+tints could be perceived after the most careful scrutiny.
+
+But there was one circumstance which betrayed the criminal intentions
+with which they had been placed on board the "Alaska." All the charts
+belonging to the vessel bore the seal of the secretary of the Swedish
+navy. The forger had foreseen that they would not be examined too
+minutely, and had hoped that by following them they would all come to a
+watery grave.
+
+These successive discoveries had produced consternation in the breasts
+of all who were present.
+
+Erik was the first to break the silence which had succeeded the
+conversation.
+
+"Poor Captain Marsilas!" he said, in a trembling voice, "he has suffered
+for us all. But since we have escaped almost by a miracle the fate which
+was prepared for us, let us run no more risks. The tide is rising, and
+it may be possible to draw the 'Alaska' off the rocks. If you are
+willing, gentlemen, we will go and commence operations without delay."
+
+He spoke with simple authority and a modest dignity, with which the
+feeling of responsibility had already inspired him.
+
+To see a young man of his age invested with the command of a ship under
+such circumstances, and for such a hazardous expedition, was certainly
+an unforeseen occurrence. But he felt that he was equal to the
+performance of all his duties. He knew that he could rely upon himself
+and upon his crew, and these thoughts transfigured him. The youth of
+yesterday was a man to-day. The spirit of a hero burned in his eyes. He
+rose superior to the calamity which had befallen them. His ability
+impressed all who approached him. Even the doctor and Mr. Bredejord
+submitted to him like the others.
+
+The operation of preparing for their morning's work proved easier than
+they had hoped.
+
+Lifted by the rising waters, the vessel only required a slight force to
+take her off the rocks. A few hours of hard work were sufficient to
+accomplish this, and the "Alaska" was once more afloat, strained indeed,
+and weighed down by the water which made its way into some of her
+compartments, and with her engine silent, but manageable.
+
+All the crew, who were assembled on the deck, watched anxiously the
+result of these efforts, and a loud hurrah greeted the deliverance of
+the "Alaska."
+
+The Frenchmen replied to this joyful cry with similar acclamations. It
+was now three o'clock in the afternoon. Above the horizon the beautiful
+February sun inundated the calm sparkling sea with floods of sunshine,
+which fell also on the rocks of the Basse-Froide, as if to efface all
+remembrance of the drama which had been enacted there the previous
+night.
+
+That same evening the "Alaska" had been safely towed into the harbor of
+L'Orient.
+
+The next day the French maritime authorities, with the utmost courtesy,
+authorized the necessary repairs to be made without delay. The damage
+which the vessel had sustained was not serious, but that of the
+machinery was more complicated, although not irremediable. Necessarily
+it would take some time to render her seaworthy, but nowhere in the
+world, as Erik had foreseen, could this be accomplished so speedily as
+at this port, which possessed such immense resources for naval
+construction. The house of Gainard, Norris & Co., undertook to make the
+repairs in three weeks. It was now the 23d of February; on the 16th of
+March they would be able to resume their voyage, and this time with good
+charts.
+
+That would leave three months and a half for them to reach Behring's
+Strait by the end of June. It was not impossible to do this, although
+the time was very limited. Erik would not hear of abandoning the
+enterprise. He feared only one thing, and that was being compelled to do
+so. Therefore he refused to send to Stockholm a report of the shipwreck,
+and he would not make a formal complaint against the presumed author of
+the attempt to shipwreck them for fear of being delayed by legal
+proceedings, yet he had his fears that this might encourage Tudor Brown
+to throw some new obstacle in the way of the "Alaska." This is what Dr.
+Schwaryencrona and Mr. Bredejord asked each other as they were playing
+at whist with Mr. Malarius, in the little sitting-room of the hotel to
+which they had gone after arriving at L'Orient.
+
+As for Mr. Bredejord, he had no doubts about the matter.
+
+A rascal like Tudor Brown, if he knew of the failure of his scheme--and
+how could any one doubt that he was acquainted with this fact?--would
+not hesitate to renew the attempt.
+
+To believe that they would ever succeed in reaching Behring's Strait was
+therefore more than self-delusion--it was foolishness. Mr. Bredejord did
+not know what steps Tudor Brown would take to prevent this, but he felt
+certain that he would find some means of doing so. Dr. Schwaryencrona
+was inclined to the same opinion, and even Mr. Malarius could not think
+of anything very reassuring to say. The games of whist were therefore
+not very lively, and the long strolls that the three friends took were
+not very gay.
+
+Their principal occupation was to watch the erection of the mausoleum
+which they were building for poor Captain Marsilas, whose funeral
+obsequies had been attended by the entire population of L'Orient.
+
+The sight of this funeral monument was not calculated to raise the
+spirits of the survivors of the "Alaska."
+
+But when they joined Erik again their hopes revived. His resolution was
+unshakable, his activity untiring, he was so bent upon overcoming all
+obstacles, so certain of success, that it was impossible for them to
+express, or even to preserve, less heroic sentiments.
+
+They had a new proof of the malignity of Tudor Brown, and that he still
+was pursuing them.
+
+On the 14th of March, Erik saw that the work upon the machinery was
+almost finished. They only had to adjust the pumps, and that was to be
+done the next day.
+
+But in the night, between the 14th and 15th, the body of the pump
+disappeared from the workshop of the Messrs. Gainard, Norris & Co.
+
+It was impossible to find it.
+
+How had it been taken away--who had done it?
+
+After investigation they were unable to discover.
+
+However, it would take ten days more to replace it, and that would make
+it the 25th of March before the "Alaska" could leave L'Orient.
+
+It was a singular fact, but this incident affected Erik's spirits more
+than the shipwreck had done. He saw in it a sure sign of a persistent
+desire to prevent the voyage of the "Alaska."
+
+But these efforts only redoubled his ardor, and he determined that
+nothing should be wanting on his part to bring the expedition to a
+successful termination.
+
+These ten days of delay were almost exclusively occupied by him in
+considering the question in all its aspects. The more he studied, the
+more he became convinced that he could not reach Behring's Straits in
+three months, for they had suffered a detention of forty days since they
+had left Stockholm, and to persist would only be to court failure and
+perhaps some irremediable disaster.
+
+This conclusion did not stop him, but it only led him to think that some
+modification of their original plans was indispensable.
+
+He took care, however, to say nothing, rightly judging that secrecy was
+the first condition of victory. He contented himself with watching more
+closely than ever the work of repairing the vessel.
+
+But his companions thought that they perceived that he was less eager to
+set out.
+
+They therefore concluded that he saw that the enterprise was
+impracticable, which they had also believed for some time.
+
+But they were mistaken.
+
+On the 25th of March, at midday, the repairs of the "Alaska" were
+completed, and she was once more afloat in the harbor of L'Orient.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE SHORTEST ROUTE.
+
+
+Night was closing in when Erik summoned his three friends and counselors
+to hold a serious consultation.
+
+"I have reflected a great deal," he said to them, "upon the
+circumstances which have made our voyage memorable since we left
+Stockholm. I have been forced to arrive at one conclusion, which is that
+we must expect to meet with obstacles or accidents during our voyage.
+Perhaps they may befall us at Gibraltar or at Malta. If we are not
+destroyed, it appears to me certain that we shall be delayed. In that
+case we can not reach Behring's Straits during the summer, which is the
+only season when it is practicable to navigate the polar sea!"
+
+"That is also the conclusion which I formed some time ago," declared Mr.
+Bredejord: "but I kept it to myself, as I did not wish to dampen your
+hopes, my dear boy. But I am sure that we must give up the idea of
+reaching Behring's Strait in three months!"
+
+"That is also my opinion," said the doctor.
+
+Mr. Malarius on his part indicated by a motion of his head that he
+agreed with them all.
+
+"Well!" said Erik, "having settled that point, what line of conduct now
+remains for us to adopt?"
+
+"There is one right course which it is our duty to take," answered Mr.
+Bredejord, "it is to renounce an enterprise which we see clearly is
+impracticable and return to Stockholm. You understand this fact, my
+child, and I congratulate you upon being able to look the situation
+calmly in the face!"
+
+"You pay me a compliment which I can not accept," said Erik smiling,
+"for I do not merit it. No--I have no thoughts of abandoning the
+expedition, for I am far from regarding it as impracticable. I only
+think that it is best for us all to baffle the machinations of that
+scoundrel who is lying in wait for us, and the first thing to do is to
+change our route."
+
+"Such a change would only complicate our difficulties," replied the
+doctor, "since we have adopted the shortest one. If it would be
+difficult to reach Behring's Straits by the Mediterranean and the Suez
+Canal, it would be impossible by the Cape of Good Hope, or Cape Horn,
+for either of these routes would necessarily take five or six months."
+
+"There is another way which would shorten our voyage, instead of
+lengthening it, and where we would be sure not to meet Tudor Brown,"
+said Erik.
+
+"Another way?" answered Dr. Schwaryencrona; "upon my word I do not know
+of any unless you are thinking of the way of Panama. But it is not yet
+practicable for vessels, and it will not be yet for several years."
+
+"I am not thinking of Panama, nor of Cape Horn, nor of the Cape of Good
+Hope," answered the young captain of the "Alaska." "The route I propose
+is the only one by which we can reach Behring's Strait in three months:
+it is to go by way of the Arctic Ocean, the north-west passage."
+
+Then seeing that his friends were stupefied by this unexpected
+announcement, Erik proceeded to develop his plans.
+
+"The north-west passage now is no longer what it was formerly, frightful
+to navigators--it is intermittent, since it is only open for eight or
+ten weeks every year, but it is now well known, marked out upon
+excellent charts, and frequented by hundreds of whaling-vessels. It is
+rarely taken by any vessel going from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean,
+I must admit. Most of them who enter it from either side only traverse
+it partially. It might even happen, if circumstances were not favorable,
+that we might find the passage closed, or that it might not be open at
+the precise time when we desired to enter it. It is a risk that one must
+take. But I think there are many reasons to make us hopeful of success
+if we take this route, whilst as far as I can see there is none, if we
+take any of the others. This being the state of affairs, I think it is
+our duty--a duty which we owe to those who have fitted out the
+expedition--to take the shortest way of reaching Behring's Strait. An
+ordinary vessel equipped for navigating tropical waters might hesitate
+before deciding upon such a course, but with a vessel like the 'Alaska'
+fitted out especially for polar navigation, we need not hesitate. For my
+part I declare that I will not return to Stockholm before having
+attempted to find Nordenskiold."
+
+Erik's reasoning was so sound that nobody tried to contradict it.
+
+What objections could the doctor, Mr. Bredejord, and Mr. Malarius raise?
+
+They saw the difficulties which beset the new plan. But it was possible
+that these difficulties might not prove insurmountable, whilst, if they
+pursued any other course, they must abandon all hopes of success.
+Besides, they did not hesitate to agree with Erik that it would be more
+glorious, in any case, to make the attempt, than to return to Stockholm
+and acknowledge themselves conquered.
+
+"I see but one serious objection, for my part," said Dr. Schwaryencrona,
+after he had remained for a few moments lost in reflection. "It is the
+difficulty of procuring coal in the arctic regions. For without coal,
+adieu to the possibility of making the north-west passage, and of
+profiting by the time, often very short, during which it is
+practicable."
+
+"I have foreseen this difficulty, which is in fact the only one,"
+answered Erik, "and I do not think it is insurmountable. In place of
+going to Malta or Gibraltar, where we might doubtless expect new
+machinations on the part of Tudor Brown, I propose that we go to London;
+from there I can send, by transatlantic cable, a dispatch to a house in
+Montreal, to send without delay a boat loaded with coal to wait for us
+in Baffin's Bay, and to a house in San Francisco to send to Behring's
+Strait. We have the necessary funds at our disposal, and, besides, we
+will not require as much as we would have done if we had gone by the way
+of Asia, for our new route is a much shorter one. It is useless for us
+to reach Baffin's Bay before the end of May, and we can not hope to
+reach Behring's Strait before the end of June. Our correspondents in
+Montreal and San Francisco will therefore have plenty of time to execute
+our orders, which will be covered by funds deposited with bankers in
+London. This accomplished, we shall only have to find out whether the
+north-west passage is practicable, and that evidently depends upon
+ourselves. But, if we find the passage closed, at least we shall have
+the consolation of knowing that we have neglected nothing that could
+have insured our success."
+
+"It is evident!" said Mr. Malarius, "that your arguments are
+unanswerable!"
+
+"Gently, gently," said Mr. Bredejord. "Do not let us go too fast. I have
+another objection. Do you think, my dear Erik, that the 'Alaska' can
+pass unnoticed through these waters? No, it is not possible. The
+newspapers would mention our arrival. The telegraph companies would make
+it known. Tudor Brown would know it. He would know that we had changed
+our plans. What would prevent him from altering his? Do you think, for
+example, that it would be very difficult to prevent our boat with coals
+from reaching us?--and without it we could do nothing!"
+
+"That is true," answered Erik, "and it proves that we must think of
+everything. We must not go to London. We must put into Lisbon as if we
+were _en route_ to Gibraltar and Suez. Then one of us must go
+_incognito_ to Madrid, and without explaining why, or for whom it is
+intended, must open telegraphic communications with Montreal and San
+Francisco, to order the supply of coal. The crews of these boats must
+not know for whom the coal is destined, but remain at designated points
+at the disposition of a captain who will carry an order to them
+previously agreed upon!"
+
+"A perfect arrangement. It will be almost impossible for Tudor Brown to
+track us."
+
+"You mean to track me, for I hope that you do not think of accompanying
+me to these arctic regions," said Erik.
+
+"Indeed that is my intention!" answered the doctor. "It shall not be
+said that that rascal, Tudor Brown, made me turn back!"
+
+"Nor me either," cried Mr. Bredejord and Mr. Malarius together.
+
+The young captain tried to combat this resolution, and explained to his
+friends the dangers and monotony of the voyage which they proposed to
+take with him. But he could not alter their decision. The perils which
+they had already encountered, made them feel it a duty to keep together;
+for the only way of rendering such a voyage acceptable to them all was
+not to separate. Every precaution had been taken to protect the persons
+on board the "Alaska" from suffering unduly from cold; and neither
+Swedes nor Norwegians fear frost.
+
+Erik was obliged to yield to their wishes, only stipulating that their
+change of route should not be made known to the crew of the vessel.
+
+The first part of their voyage was quickly accomplished.
+
+On the 2d of April the "Alaska" reached Lisbon. Before the newspapers
+had given notice of their arrival, Mr. Bredejord had gone to Madrid, and
+by means of a banking-house opened communications with two large firms,
+one in Montreal and one in San Francisco.
+
+He had arranged to have two boat-loads of coal sent to two designated
+points, and had given the sign by which Erik was to make himself known.
+
+This sign was the words found upon him when he was discovered floating,
+tied to the buoy of the "Cynthia," "Semper idem."
+
+Finally these arrangements having all been happily concluded, on the 9th
+of April Mr. Bredejord returned to Lisbon, and the "Alaska" resumed her
+voyage.
+
+On the twenty-fifth of the same month, having crossed the Atlantic and
+reached Montreal, where they took in coal, and Erik was assured that his
+orders had been punctually fulfilled, they left the waters of the St.
+Lawrence and Straits of Belle Isle, which separate Labrador from
+Newfoundland. On the 10th of May they reached the coast of Greenland and
+found the vessel with their coal, it having arrived before them.
+
+Erik knew very well that at this early date it would be useless to
+attempt to force his way through the Arctic Ocean, which was still
+firmly frozen over the largest part of his route. But he counted upon
+obtaining on these shores, which were much frequented by
+whaling-vessels, precise information as to the best charts, and he was
+not mistaken. He was also able to buy, although at a high price, a dozen
+dogs, who with Kaas could draw their sledges if necessary.
+
+Among the Danish stations on the coast of Greenland, he found Godhaven,
+which is only a poor village, and is used as a depot by dealers in oil
+and the furs of the country. At this time of the year the cold is not
+more severe than at Stockholm or Noroe. But Erik and his friends beheld
+with surprise the great difference between the two countries, both
+situated at the same distance from the pole. Godhaven is in precisely
+the same latitude as Bergen. But whilst the southern port of Norway is
+in April covered with green forests and fruit trees, and even cultivated
+vines trained upon trellises above green meadows, Greenland is still in
+May covered with ice and snow, without a tree to enliven the monotony.
+The shape of the Norwegian coast, deeply indented by fjords and
+sheltered by chains of islands, which contribute almost as much as the
+warmth of the Gulf Stream to raise the temperature of the country.
+Greenland, on the contrary, has a low regular coast and receives the
+full shock of the cold blasts from the pole, consequently she is
+enveloped almost to the middle of the island by fields of ice several
+feet in thickness.
+
+They spent fifteen days in the harbor and then the "Alaska" mounted
+Davis' Straits, and keeping along the coast of Greenland, gained the
+polar sea.
+
+On the 28th of May for the first time they encountered floating ice in
+70 15' of north latitude, with a temperature two degrees below zero.
+These first icebergs, it is true, were in a crumbling condition, rapidly
+breaking up into small fragments. But soon they became more dense, and
+frequently they had to break their way through them. Navigation,
+although difficult, was not as yet dangerous. By a thousand signs they
+perceived, however, that they were in a new world. All objects at a
+little distance appeared to be colorless, and almost without form; the
+eye could find no place to repose in this perpetually changing horizon,
+which every minute assumed a new aspect.
+
+"Who can describe," says an eye-witness, "these melancholy surroundings,
+the roaring of the waves beating beneath the floating ice, the singular
+noise made by the snow as it falls suddenly into the abyss of waters?
+Who can imagine the beauty of the cascades which gush out on all sides,
+the sea of foam produced by their fall, the fright of the sea-birds who,
+having fallen asleep on a pyramid of ice, suddenly find their
+resting-place overturned and themselves obliged to fly to some other
+spot? And in the morning, when the sun bursts through the fog, at first
+only a little of the blue sky is visible, but it gradually widens, until
+the view is only limited by the horizon."
+
+These spectacles, presented by the polar sea, Erik and his friends were
+able to contemplate at their leisure as they left the coast of
+Greenland, to which they had kept close until they had reached
+Uppernavik. Then they sailed westward across Baffin's Bay. Here
+navigation became more difficult, for this sea is the ordinary course of
+the polar icebergs which are drawn in by the innumerable currents which
+traverse it. Sometimes they found their course checked by insurmountable
+barriers of ice, which it was impossible to break, and therefore they
+were compelled to turn aside. The "Alaska" was obliged continually to
+break her way through immense fields of ice. Sometimes a tempest of snow
+assailed them which covered the deck and the masts with a thick coat.
+Sometimes they were assailed by ice dashed over them by the wind, which
+threatened to sink the vessel by its weight. Sometimes they found
+themselves in a sort of lake, surrounded on all sides by fields of ice
+apparently firm and impassable, and from which they had great difficulty
+to extricate themselves and gain the open sea. Then they had to exercise
+great vigilance to escape some enormous iceberg sailing down from the
+north with incredible swiftness, a frightful mass, which could have
+crushed the "Alaska" like a walnut. But a greater danger still was the
+submarine ice, which could injure her and act like a battering-ram.
+
+The "Alaska" lost her two large boats. One must experience the dangers
+which polar navigation presents at every moment to have any just
+appreciation of them.
+
+After one or two weeks of such experience the most intrepid crew become
+exhausted, and repose is necessary for them.
+
+Sometimes, although surrounded by all these dangers, they made rapid
+progress; at others they made scarcely any; but at length, on the 11th
+of June, they came in sight of land again, and cast anchor at the
+entrance to Lancaster Sound.
+
+Erik had expected to be obliged to wait some days before being able to
+enter the sound; but, to his surprise and joy, he found it open, at
+least at the entrance. He entered resolutely, but only to find the next
+day his passage impeded by ice, which held them prisoners for three
+days; but, thanks to the violent currents which sweep through this
+Arctic canal, he at last was able to free his vessel and continue his
+route as the whalers of Godhaven had told him he would be able to do.
+
+On the seventeenth he arrived at Barrow's Straits, and made all the
+speed he could; but on the nineteenth, as he was about to enter Melville
+Sound, he was again blocked in by the ice.
+
+At first he patiently accepted the situation, waiting for it to break
+up; but day succeeded to day and still this did not happen.
+
+There were, however, many sources of amusement open to the voyagers.
+They were near the coast and supplied with everything that could render
+their life comfortable in that latitude. They could take sleigh-rides
+and see in the distance the whales enjoying their diversions. The summer
+solstice was approaching. Since the fifteenth the occupants of the
+"Alaska" had beheld a new and astonishing spectacle, even for Norwegians
+and the natives of southern Sweden; it was the sun at midnight touching
+the horizon without disappearing and then mounting again in the sky. In
+these high latitudes and desolate coasts the star of day describes in
+twenty-four hours a complete circle in space. The light, it is true, is
+pale and languishing, objects lose their perfect shape, and all nature
+has a shadowy appearance. One realizes profoundly how far he is removed
+from the world, and how near he is to the pole. The cold, however, was
+not extreme. The temperature did not fall more than four or five degrees
+below zero, and the air was sometimes so mild that they could hardly
+believe that they were in the center of the arctic zone.
+
+But those novel surrounding were not sufficient to satisfy Erik, or make
+him lose sight of the supreme object which had brought them there. He
+had not come to herbalize like Mr. Malarius, who returned every evening
+more and more delighted with his explorations, both of the country and
+of its unknown plants, which he added to his collection; nor to enjoy
+with Dr. Schwaryencrona and Mr. Bredejord the novelty of the sights
+which nature offered to them in these polar regions. He wanted to find
+Nordenskiold and Patrick O'Donoghan--to fulfill a sacred duty while he
+discovered, perhaps, the secret of his birth. This was why he sought
+untiringly to break the circle of ice which hemmed them in. He made
+excursions with his sleigh and on his snow-shoes, reconnoitered in every
+direction for ten days, but it was all in vain. At the west, as well as
+the north and east, the banks of ice remained firm.
+
+It was the 20th of June, and they were still far from the Siberian Sea.
+
+Must he confess himself vanquished? Erik could not make up his mind to
+do this. Repeated soundings had revealed that under the ice there was a
+swift current running toward Franklin's Strait, that is to say toward
+the south; he told himself that some effort might suffice to break up
+the ice, and he resolved to attempt it.
+
+For the length of seven marine miles he had hollowed in the ice a series
+of chambers, and in each of them was placed a kilogramme of dynamite.
+These were connected by a copper wire inclosed in gutta percha.
+
+On the 30th of June, at eight o'clock in the morning, Erik from the deck
+of the "Alaska" pressed the button of the electrical machine, and a
+formidable explosion took place. The field of ice shook and trembled,
+and clouds of frightened sea-birds hovered around uttering discordant
+cries. When silence was restored, a long black train cut into
+innumerable fissures met their anxious gaze. The explosion of the
+terrible agent had broken up the ice field. There was, so to speak, a
+moment of hesitation, and then the ice acted as if it had only been
+waiting for some signal to move. Cracking in all parts it yielded to the
+action of the current, and they beheld here and there whole continents,
+as it were, gradually moving away from them. Some portions, however,
+were more slow to move; they seemed to be protesting against such
+violence. The next day the passage was clear, and the "Alaska" rekindled
+her fires.
+
+Erik and his dynamite had done what it would probably have taken the
+pale arctic sun a month longer to accomplish.
+
+On the 2d of July, the expedition arrived at Banks' Straits; on the
+fourth, she issued from the Arctic Sea properly speaking. From this time
+the route was open notwithstanding icebergs, fogs, and snow-storms. On
+the twelfth, the "Alaska" doubled Ice Cape; on the thirteenth, Cape
+Lisburne, and on the fourteenth she entered the Gulf of Kotzebue to the
+north of Behring's Straits and found there, according to instructions,
+the boat loaded with coal which had been sent from San Francisco.
+
+Thus in two months and sixteen days they had accomplished the programme
+arranged by Erik before they left the coast of France.
+
+The "Alaska" had hardly ceased to move, when Erik rushed into a small
+boat and hurried off to accost the officer who had charge of the boat
+loaded with coal.
+
+"_Semper idem!_" said he, as he approached.
+
+"Lisbon!" answered the Yankee.
+
+"How long have you been waiting here for me?"
+
+"Five weeks--we left San Francisco one month after the arrival of your
+dispatch."
+
+"Have you heard any news of Nordenskiold?"
+
+"At San Francisco they had not received any reliable information about
+him. But since I have been here I have spoken to several captains of
+whaling-vessels, who said that they had heard from the natives of
+Serdze-Kamen that an European vessel had been frozen in by the ice for
+nine or ten months; they thought it was the 'Vega.'"
+
+"Indeed!" said Erik, with a joy which we can easily understand. "And do
+you believe that it has not yet succeeded in getting through the
+straits?"
+
+"I am sure of it--not a vessel has passed us for the last five weeks,
+which I have not seen and spoken to."
+
+"God be praised--our troubles will not be without recompense, if we
+succeed in finding Nordenskiold."
+
+"You will not be the first who has done so!" said the Yankee, with an
+ironical smile--"an American yacht has preceded you. It passed here
+three days ago, and like you was inquiring for Nordenskiold."
+
+"An American yacht?" repeated Erik, half stupefied.
+
+"Yes--the 'Albatross,' Captain Tudor Brown, from Vancouver's Island. I
+told him what I had heard, and he immediately started for Cape
+Serdze-Kamen."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+FROM SERDZE-KAMEN TO LJAKOW.
+
+
+Tudor Brown had evidently heard of the change in the route of the
+"Alaska." He had reached Behring's Straits before them. But by what
+means? It seemed almost supernatural, but still the fact remained that
+he had done so.
+
+Erik was greatly depressed by this information, but he concealed his
+feelings from his friends. He hurried on the work of transporting the
+coal, and set out again without losing a moment.
+
+Serdze-Kamen is a long Asiatic-promontory situated nearly a hundred
+miles to the west of Behring's Straits, and whaling-vessels from the
+Pacific visit it every year.
+
+The "Alaska" reached there after a voyage of twenty-four hours, and soon
+in the bay of Koljutschin behind a wall of ice, they discovered the
+masts of the "Vega," which had been frozen in for nine months.
+
+The barrier which held Nordenskiold captive was not more than ten
+kilometers in size. After passing around it, the "Alaska" came to anchor
+in a little creek, where she would be sheltered from the northerly
+winds. Then Erik with his three friends made their way overland to the
+establishment which the "Vega" had made upon the Siberian coast to pass
+this long winter, and which a column of smoke pointed out to them.
+
+This coast of the Bay of Koljutschin consists of a low and slightly
+undulating plain. There are no trees, only some dwarf willows, marine
+grasses and lichens. Summer had already brought forth some plants, which
+Mr. Malarius recognized as a species which was very common in Norway.
+
+The encampment of the "Vega" consisted of a large store-house for their
+eatables, which had been made by the orders of Nordenskiold, in case the
+pressure of the ice should destroy his ship, which so frequently happens
+on these dangerous coasts. It was a touching fact that the poor
+population, although always half starved, and to whom this depot
+represented incalculable wealth in the shape of food, had respected it,
+although it was but poorly guarded. The huts of skin of these
+Tschoutskes were grouped here and there around the station. The most
+imposing structure was the "Tintinjaranga," or ice-house, which they had
+especially arranged to use for a magnetic observatory, and where all the
+necessary apparatus had been placed. It had been built of blocks of ice
+delicately tinted and cemented together with snow; the roof of planks
+was covered with cloth.
+
+The voyagers of the "Alaska" were cordially welcomed by the young
+astronomer, whom they found at the time of their arrival holding a
+consultation with the man in charge of the store-house. He offered
+with hearty goodwill to take them on board the "Vega" by the path
+which had been cut in the ice in order to keep open the means of
+communication between the vessel and the land, and a rope attached to
+stones served as a guide on dark nights. As they walked, he related to
+them their adventures since they had been unable to send home any
+dispatches.
+
+After leaving the mouth of the Lena, Nordenskiold had directed his
+course toward the islands of New Siberia, which he wished to explore,
+but finding it almost impossible to approach them, on account of the
+ice which surrounded them, and the shallowness of the water in that
+vicinity, he abandoned the idea, and resumed his course toward the
+east. The "Vega" encountered no great difficulties until the 10th of
+September, but about that time a continuance of fogs, and freezing
+nights, compelled her to slacken her speed, besides the darkness
+necessitated frequented stoppages. It was therefore the 27th of
+September before she reached Cape Serdze-Kamen. They cast her anchor
+on a bank of ice, hoping to be able the next day to make the few miles
+which separated her from Behring's Straits and the free waters of the
+Pacific. But a north wind set in during the night, and heaped around
+the vessel great masses of ice. The "Vega" found herself a prisoner
+for the winter at the time when she had almost accomplished her work.
+
+"It was a great disappointment to us, as you can imagine!" said the
+young astronomer, "but we soon rallied our forces, and determined to
+profit by the delay as much as possible, by making scientific
+investigations. We made the acquaintance of the 'Tschoutskes' of the
+neighborhood, whom no traveler has hitherto known well, and we have
+made a vocabulary of their language, and also gathered together a
+collection of their arms and utensils. The naturalists of the 'Vega'
+have also been diligent, and added many new arctic plants to their
+collection. Lastly, the end of the expedition has been accomplished,
+since we have doubled Cape Tchelynskin, and traversed the distance
+between it and the mouth of the Yenisei and of the Lena. Henceforth
+the north-east passage must become a recognized fact. It would have
+been more agreeable for us, if we could have effected it in two
+months, as we so nearly succeeded in doing. But provided we are not
+blocked in much longer, as the present indications lead us to hope, we
+will not have much to complain of, and we shall be able to return with
+the satisfaction of knowing that we have accomplished a useful work."
+
+While listening to their guide with deep interest, the travelers were
+pursuing their way. They were now near enough to the "Vega" to see
+that her deck was covered over with a large canvas, and that her sides
+were protected by lofty masses of snow, and that her smoke-stacks had
+been carefully preserved from contact with the ice.
+
+The immediate approach to the vessel was still more strange; she was
+not, as one would have expected, completely incrusted in a bed of ice,
+but she was suspended, as it were, in a labyrinth of lakes, islands,
+and canals, between which they had been obliged to throw bridges
+formed of planks.
+
+"The explanation is very simple," said the young astronomer, in reply to
+a question from Erik. "All vessels that pass some months surrounded by
+ice form around them a bed of refuse, consisting principally of coal
+ashes. This is heavier than snow, and when a thaw begins, the bed around
+the vessel assumes the aspect which you behold."
+
+The crew of the "Vega," in arctic clothing, with two or three officers,
+had already seen the visitors whom the astronomer was bringing with him.
+Their joy was great when they saluted them in Swedish, and when they
+beheld among them the well-known and popular physiognomy of Dr.
+Schwaryencrona.
+
+Neither Nordenskiold nor Captain Palender were on board. They had gone
+upon a geological excursion into the interior of the country, and
+expected to be absent five or six days. This was a disappointment to the
+travelers, who had naturally hoped when they found the "Vega" to present
+their congratulations to the great explorer.
+
+But this was not their only disappointment.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: They returned sooner, for on the 18th of July the ice broke
+up, and after 264 days of captivity the "Vega" resumed her voyage. On
+the 20th of July she issued from Behring's Straits and set out for
+Yokohama.]
+
+They had hardly entered the officer's room, when Erik and his friends
+were informed that three days before the "Vega" had been visited by an
+American yacht, or rather by its owner, Mr. Tudor Brown. This gentleman
+had brought them news of the world beyond their settlement, which was
+very acceptable, they being confined to the limited neighborhood of the
+Bay of Koljutschin. He told them what had happened in Europe since their
+departure--the anxiety that Sweden and indeed all civilized nations felt
+about their fate, and that the "Alaska" had been sent to search for
+them. Mr. Tudor Brown came from Vancouver's Island, in the Pacific, and
+his yacht had been waiting there for him for three months.
+
+"But," exclaimed a young doctor, attached to the expedition, "he told us
+that he had at first embarked with you, and only left you at Brest,
+because he doubted whether you would be able to bring the enterprise to
+a successful termination!"
+
+"He had excellent reasons for doubting it," replied Erik, coolly, but
+not without a secret tremor.
+
+"His yacht was at Valparaiso and he telegraphed for her to wait for him
+at Victoria, on the coast of Vancouver," continued the doctor; "then he
+took the steamer from Liverpool to New York, and the railroad to the
+Pacific. This explains how he was able to reach here before you."
+
+"Did he tell you why he came?" asked Mr. Bredejord.
+
+"He came to help us, if we stood in need of assistance, and also to
+inquire about a strange enough personage, whom I had incidentally
+mentioned in my correspondence, and in whom Mr. Tudor Brown seemed to
+take a great interest."
+
+The four visitors exchanged glances.
+
+"Patrick O'Donoghan--was not that the name?" asked Erik.
+
+"Precisely--or at least it is the name which is tattooed on his body,
+although he pretends it is not his own, but that of a friend. He calls
+himself Johnny Bowles."
+
+"May I ask if this man is still here?"
+
+"He left us ten months ago. We had at first believed that he might
+prove useful to us by acting as interpreter between us and the natives
+of this coast, on account of his apparent knowledge of their language;
+but we soon discovered that his acquaintance with it was very
+superficial--confined, in fact, to a few words. Besides, until we came
+here, we were unable to hold any communications with the natives. This
+Johnny Bowles, or Patrick O'Donoghan, was lazy, drunken, and undisciplined.
+His presence on board would only have occasioned trouble for us. We
+therefore acceded without regret to his request to be landed on the
+large Island of Ljakow, as we were following the southern coast."
+
+"What! did he go there? But this island is uninhabited!" cried Erik.
+
+"Entirely; but what attracted the man appeared to be the fact that its
+shores are literally covered by bones, and consequently by fossil ivory.
+He had conceived the plan of establishing himself there, and of
+collecting, during the summer months, all the ivory that he could find;
+then when, in winter, the arm of the sea which connects Ljakow with the
+continent should be frozen over, to transport in a sleigh this treasure
+to the Siberian coast, in order to sell it to the Russian traders, who
+come every year in search of the products of the country."
+
+"Did you tell these facts to Mr. Tudor Brown?" asked Erik.
+
+"Assuredly, he came far enough to seek for them," replied the young
+doctor, unaware of the deep personal interest that the commander of the
+"Alaska" took in the answers to the questions which he addressed to him.
+
+The conversation then became more general. They spoke of the comparative
+facility with which Nordenskiold had carried out his programme. He had
+not met with any serious difficulties, and consequently the discovery of
+the new route would be an advantage to the commerce of the world. "Not,"
+said the officer of the "Vega," "that this path was ever destined to be
+much frequented, but the voyage of the 'Vega' would prove to the
+maritime nations of the Atlantic and Pacific that it was possible to
+hold direct communication with Siberia by water. And nowhere would these
+nations, notwithstanding the vulgar opinions, find a field as vast and
+rich."
+
+"Is it not strange," observed Mr. Bredejord, "that they have failed
+completely during the last three centuries in this attempt that you have
+now accomplished without difficulty?"
+
+"The singularity is only apparent," answered one of the officers. "We
+have profited by the experience of our predecessors, an experience often
+only acquired at the cost of their lives. Professor Nordenskiold has
+been preparing himself for this supreme effort during the last twenty
+years, in which he has made eight arctic expeditions. He has patiently
+studied the problem in all its aspects, and finally succeeded in solving
+it. Then we have had what our predecessors lacked, a steam vessel
+especially equipped for this voyage. This has enabled us to accomplish
+in two months a voyage that it would have taken a sailing vessel two
+years to do. We have also constantly been able not only to choose, but
+also to seek out, the most accessible route. We have fled from floating
+ice and been able to profit by the winds and tides. And still we have
+been overtaken by winter. How much more difficult it would have been for
+a mariner who was compelled to wait for favorable winds, and see the
+summer passing in the meantime."
+
+In such conversation they passed the afternoon, and after accepting
+their invitation and dining on board the "Vega," they carried back with
+them to supper on board the "Alaska" all the officers who could be
+spared from duty. They mutually gave each other all the information and
+news in their power. Erik took care to inform himself exactly of the
+route followed by the "Vega," in order to utilize it for his own profit.
+After exchanging many good wishes and with the heartfelt desire that
+they would all soon return in safety to their country, they separated.
+
+The next day at dawn Erik had the "Alaska" steering for the island of
+Ljakow. As for the "Vega" she had to wait until the breaking up of the
+ice would permit her to reach the Pacific.
+
+The first part of Erik's task was now accomplished. He had found
+Nordenskiold. The second still remained to be fulfilled: to find Patrick
+O'Donoghan, and see if he could persuade him to disclose his secret.
+That this secret was an important one they were now all willing to
+admit, or Tudor Brown would never have committed such a dastardly crime
+to prevent them from becoming acquainted with it.
+
+Would they be able to reach the Island of Ljakow before him?
+
+It was hardly probable, for he was three days in advance of them: never
+mind--he would make the attempt.
+
+The "Albatross" might lose her way, or meet with some unforeseen
+obstacles. As long as there was even a probability of success Erik
+determined to take the chances.
+
+The weather was now mild and agreeable. Light fogs indicated an open
+sea, and a speedy breaking of the ice along the Siberian coast where the
+"Vega" had been held prisoner so long. Summer was advancing, and the
+"Alaska" could reasonably count upon at least ten weeks of favorable
+weather. The experience which they had acquired amongst the American ice
+had its value and would render this new enterprise comparatively easy.
+Lastly the north-east passage was the most direct way to return to
+Sweden, and besides the deep personal interest which induced Erik to
+take it, he had a truly scientific desire to accomplish in a reverse
+route the task which Nordenskiold had fulfilled. If he had succeeded,
+why should he not be able to do so?--this would be proving practically
+the experiment of the great navigator.
+
+The wind favored the "Alaska." For ten days it blew almost constantly
+from the south-east, and enabled them to make from nine to ten knots at
+least without burning any coal. This was a precious advantage, and
+besides the wind drove the floating ice toward the north and rendered
+navigation much less difficult. During these ten days they met with very
+little floating ice.
+
+On the eleventh day, it is true they had a tempestuous snow storm
+followed by dense fogs which sensibly retarded the progress of the
+"Alaska." But on the 29th of July the sun appeared in all its
+brilliancy, and on the morning of the 2d of August they came in sight of
+the Island of Ljakow.
+
+Erik gave orders immediately to sail around it in order to see if the
+"Albatross" was not hidden in some of its creeks. Having done this they
+cast anchor in a sandy bottom about three miles from the southern shore.
+Then he embarked in his boat accompanied by his three friends and six of
+his sailors. Half an hour later they had reached the island.
+
+Erik had not chosen the southern coast of the island to anchor his
+vessel without a reason. He had said to himself that Patrick O'Donoghan
+might have told the truth when he had stated that his object was to
+collect ivory; but if it was his intention to leave the island at the
+first opportunity which afforded, he would be sure to establish himself
+upon a spot where he would have a good view of the sea. He would
+undoubtedly choose some elevated place, and one as near as possible to
+the Siberian coast. Besides the necessity of sheltering himself against
+the polar winds would lead him to establish himself upon the southern
+coast of the island.
+
+Erik did not pretend that his conclusions were necessarily
+incontrovertible, but he thought that, in any case, they would suffer no
+inconvenience from adopting them as the basis of a systematic
+exploration of the place. The results fully justified his expectations.
+The travelers had not walked along the shore for an hour, when they
+perceived on a height, perfectly sheltered by a chain of hills, facing
+the south, an object which could only be a human habitation. To their
+extreme surprise this little cottage, which was of a cubical form, was
+perfectly white, as if it had been covered with plaster. It only lacked
+green shutters to perfectly resemble a country home near Marseilles, or
+an American cottage.
+
+After they had climbed the height and approached near to it, they
+discovered a solution of the mystery. The cottage was not plastered, it
+was simply built of enormous bones skillfully arranged, which gave it
+its white color. Strange as the materials were, they were forced to
+admit that the idea of utilizing them was a natural one; besides there
+was nothing else available on the island where vegetation was most
+meagre; but the whole place, even the neighboring hills were covered
+with bones, which Dr. Schwaryencrona recognized as the remains of wild
+beasts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AT LAST.
+
+
+The door of the cottage was open. The visitors entered, and saw at a
+glance that the single room of which it consisted was empty, although it
+had been recently occupied. Upon the hearth, which was built of three
+large stones, lay some extinguished embers upon which the light ashes
+still lingered, although the lightest breeze would have been sufficient
+to carry them away. The bed, consisting of a wooden frame, from which
+was suspended a sailor's hammock, still bore the impress of a human
+figure.
+
+This hammock, that Erik examined immediately, bore the stamp of the
+"Vega." On a sort of table formed from the shoulder-blade of some animal
+and supported by four thigh bones, lay some crumbs of ship's biscuit, a
+pewter goblet, and a wooden spoon of Swedish workmanship.
+
+They could not doubt that they were in the dwelling-place of Patrick
+O'Donoghan, and according to all appearances he had only left it a short
+time ago. Had he quitted the island, or had he only gone to take a walk?
+The only thing they could do was to make a thorough exploration of the
+island.
+
+Around the habitation excavations bore witness to the fact that a great
+amount of hard work had been done; on a sort of plateau that formed the
+summit of the hill, a great quantity of ivory had been piled up, and
+indicated the nature of the work. The voyagers perceived that all the
+skeletons of elephants and other animals had been despoiled of their
+ivory, and they arrived at the conclusion that the natives of the
+Siberian coast had been aware, long before the visit of Patrick
+O'Donoghan, of the treasure which was to be found upon the island, and
+had come and carried off large quantities of it. The Irishman,
+therefore, had not found the quantity of ivory upon the surface of the
+ground which he had expected, and had been compelled to make excavations
+and exhume it. The quality of this ivory, which had been buried probably
+for a long time, appeared to the travelers to be of a very inferior
+quality.
+
+Now the young doctor of the "Vega" had told them, as had the proprietor
+of the Red Anchor, in Brooklyn, that laziness was one of the
+distinguishing characteristics of Patrick O'Donoghan. It therefore
+seemed to them very improbable that he would be resigned to follow such
+a laborious and unremunerative life. They therefore felt sure that he
+would embrace the first opportunity to leave the Island of Ljakow. The
+only hope that still remained of finding him there was that which the
+examination of his cabin had furnished them.
+
+A path descended to the shore, opposite to that by which our explorers
+had climbed up. They followed it, and soon reached the bottom, where the
+melting snows had formed a sort of little lake, separated from the sea
+by a wall of rocks. The path followed the shores of this quiet water,
+and going around the cliff they found a natural harbor.
+
+They saw a sleigh abandoned on the land, and also traces of a recent
+fire; Erik examined the shore carefully, but could find no traces of any
+recent embarkation. He was returning to his companions, when he
+perceived at the foot of a shrub a red object, which he picked up
+immediately. It was one of those tin boxes painted outside with carmine
+which had contained that preserved beef commonly called "endaubage," and
+which all vessels carry among their provisions. It was not so great a
+prize, since the captain of the "Vega" had supplied Patrick O'Donoghan
+with food. But what struck Erik as significant, was the fact that there
+was printed on the empty box the name of Martinez Domingo, Valparaiso.
+
+"Tudor Brown has been here," he cried. "They told us on board the 'Vega'
+that his vessel was at Valparaiso when he telegraphed them to wait for
+him at Vancouver. Besides, this box from Chili could not have been
+brought here by the 'Vega,' for it is evidently quite fresh. It can not
+be three days, perhaps not twenty-four hours since it has been opened!"
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona and Mr. Bredejord shook their heads, as if they
+hesitated to accept Erik's conclusions, when turning the box in his
+hands, he descried written in pencil the word "Albatross," which had
+doubtless been done by the person who had furnished the vessel with the
+beef. He pointed it out to his friends.
+
+"Tudor Brown has been here," he repeated, "and why should he come except
+to carry off Patrick O'Donoghan. Let us go, it is evident they embarked
+at this creek. His men, while they were waiting for him, have taken
+breakfast around this fire. He has carried off the Irishman, either
+willingly or unwillingly. I am as certain of it as if I saw them
+embark."
+
+Notwithstanding this firm belief, Erik carefully explored the
+neighborhood, to assure himself that Patrick O'Donoghan was no longer
+there. An hour's walk convinced him that the island was uninhabited.
+There was no trace of a path, nor the least vestige of a human being. On
+all sides valleys extended as far as his sight could reach, without even
+a bird to animate its solitude. And above all, the gigantic bones which
+they beheld lying around in every direction, gave them a feeling of
+disgust; it seemed as if an army of animals had taken refuge in this
+solitary island only to die there.
+
+"Let us go!" said Dr. Schwaryencrona. "There is no use in making a more
+complete search of the island; we have seen sufficient to assure us that
+Patrick O'Donoghan would not require much urging to induce him to leave
+this place!"
+
+Four hours later they were again on board of the "Alaska," and
+continuing their journey.
+
+Erik did not hide the fact that his hopes had received a severe check.
+Tudor Brown had been ahead of him, he had succeeded in reaching the
+island first, and doubtless had carried off Patrick O'Donoghan. It was
+therefore hardly probable that they would succeed in finding him again.
+A man capable of displaying such ability in his fiendish attack upon the
+"Alaska," and who could adopt such energetic measures to carry off the
+Irishman from such a place, would assuredly exert himself to the utmost
+to prevent them from ever coming in contact with him. The world is
+large, and its waters were open to the "Albatross." Who could tell to
+what point of the compass Patrick O'Donoghan and his secret would be
+carried?
+
+This is what the captain of the "Alaska" said to himself, as he walked
+the deck of his vessel, after giving orders to steer to the westward.
+And to these doleful thoughts was added a feeling of remorse that he had
+permitted his friends to share the dangers and fatigue of his useless
+expedition. It was doubly useless, since Tudor Brown had found
+Nordenskiold before the "Alaska," and also preceded them to the Island
+of Ljakow. They must then return to Stockholm, if they ever succeeded in
+reaching it, without having accomplished one of the objects of the
+expedition. It was indeed a great disappointment. But at least their
+returning in a contrary direction to the "Vega" would prove the
+feasibility of the northeast passage. At any risk he must reach Cape
+Tchelynskin, and double it from east to west. At any risk he must return
+to Sweden by way of the Sea of Kara. It was this redoubtable Cape
+Tchelynskin, formerly considered impassable, that the "Alaska" crowded
+on steam to reach. They did not follow the exact route of the "Vega,"
+for Erik had no occasion to descend the Siberian coast.
+
+Leaving to starboard the islands of Stolbovvi and Semenoffski, which
+they sighted on the 4th of August, they sailed due west, following
+closely the 76th degree of latitude, and made such good speed that in
+eight days they had made 35 degrees of longitude, from the 140th to the
+105th degree east of Greenwich. It is true that they had to burn a great
+deal of coal to accomplish this, for the "Alaska" had had contrary winds
+almost all the time. But Erik thought rightly that everything was
+subordinate to the necessity of making their way out of these dangerous
+passes as speedily as possible. If they could once reach the mouth of
+the Yenisei, they could always procure the necessary fuel.
+
+On the 14th of August, at midday they were unable to make a solar
+observation on account of a thick fog, which covered the whole sky. But
+they knew that they were approaching a great Asiatic promontory,
+therefore Erik advanced with extreme caution, while at the same time he
+had the speed of the vessel slackened.
+
+Toward night he gave orders to have the vessel stopped. These
+precautions were not useless. The following morning at daylight they
+made soundings and found that they were in only thirty fathoms of water,
+and an hour afterward they came in sight of land; and the "Alaska" soon
+reached a bay in which she could cast anchor. They resolved to wait
+until the fog dispersed before going on land, but as the 15th and 16th
+of August passed without bringing about this desired result, Erik
+determined to start accompanied by Mr. Bredejord, Mr. Malarius, and the
+doctor. A short examination showed them that the "Alaska" was at the
+extreme north of the two points of Cape Tchelynskin; on two sides the
+land lay low toward the sea, but it rose gradually toward the south, and
+they perceived that it was about two or three hundred feet in height. No
+snow or ice was to be seen in any direction, except along the borders of
+the sea where there was a little band, such as is commonly seen in all
+arctic regions. The clayey soil was covered with abundant vegetation,
+consisting of mossy grasses and lichens. The coast was enlivened by
+great numbers of wild geese and walruses. A white bear displayed himself
+on top of a rock. If it had not been for the fog which cast a gray
+mantle over everything, the general aspect of this famous Cape
+Tchelynskin was not particularly disagreeable; certainly there was
+nothing to justify the name of Cape Severe, which it had borne for three
+centuries.
+
+As they advanced to the extreme point at the west of the bay, the
+travelers perceived a sort of monument that crowned a height, and
+naturally pressed forward to visit it. They saw, as they approached,
+that it was a sort of "cairn," or mass of stones supporting a wooden
+column made out of a post. This column bore two inscriptions; the first
+read as follows:
+
+     "On the 19th of August, 1878, the 'Vega' left the Atlantic to
+     double Cape Tchelynskin, _en route_ for Behring's Straits."
+
+The second read:
+
+     "On the 12th of August, 1879, the 'Albatross,' coming from
+     Behring's Straits, doubled Cape Tchelynskin, _en route_ for the
+     Atlantic."
+
+Once again Tudor Brown had preceded the "Alaska." It was now the 16th of
+August.
+
+He had written this inscription only four days previously.
+
+In Erik's eyes it appeared cruel and ironical; it seemed to him to say:
+"I will defeat you at every turn. All your efforts will be useless.
+Nordenskiold has solved the problem. Tudor Brown, the counter proof."
+
+As for himself he would return humiliated and ashamed, without having
+demonstrated, found or proved anything. He was going without adding a
+single word to the inscriptions on the column. But Dr. Schwaryencrona
+would not listen to him, and taking out his knife from his pocket he
+wrote on the bottom of the post these words:
+
+     "On the 16th of August, 1879, the 'Alaska' left Stockholm, and came
+     here across the Atlantic and the Siberian Sea, and has doubled Cape
+     Tchelynskin, _en route_ to accomplish the first circumpolar
+     periplus."
+
+There is a strange power in words. This simple phrase recalled to Erik
+what a geographical feat he was in hopes of accomplishing, and without
+his being conscious of it restored him to good humor. It was true, after
+all, that the "Alaska" would be the first vessel to accomplish this
+voyage. Other navigators before him had sailed through the
+arctic-American seas, and accomplished the northwest passage.
+Nordenskiold and Tudor Brown had doubled Cape Tchelynskin; but no person
+had as yet gone from one to the other, completely around the pole,
+completing the three hundred and sixty degrees.
+
+This prospect restored every one's ardor, and they were eager to depart.
+Erik thought it best, however, to wait until the next day and see if the
+fog would lift; but fogs appeared to be the chronic malady of Cape
+Tchelynskin, and when next morning the sun rose without dissipating it,
+he gave orders to hoist the anchor.
+
+Leaving to the south the Gulf of Taymis--which is also the name of the
+great Siberian peninsula of which Cape Tchelynskin forms the extreme
+point--the "Alaska," directing her course westward, sailed
+uninterruptedly during the day and night of the 17th of August.
+
+On the eighteenth, at day-break, the fog disappeared at last and the
+atmosphere was pure and enlivened by the sunshine. By midday they had
+rounded the point, and immediately descried a distant sail to the
+south-west.
+
+The presence of a sailing-vessel in these unfrequented seas was too
+extraordinary a phenomenon not to attract special attention. Erik, with
+his glass in his hand, ascended to the lookout and examined the vessel
+carefully for a long time. It appeared to lie low in the water, was
+rigged like a schooner and had a smoke-stack, although he could not
+perceive any smoke. When he descended from the bridge the young captain
+said to the doctor:
+
+"It looks exactly like the 'Albatross!'" Then he gave orders to put on
+all steam possible. In less than a quarter of an hour he saw that they
+were gaining on the vessel, whose appointments they were now able to
+discern with the naked eye. They could see that the breeze had
+slackened, and that her course was at right angles with that of the
+"Alaska."
+
+But suddenly a change took place in the distant vessel; Clouds of smoke
+issued from her smoke-stack, and formed behind her a long black cloud.
+She was now going by steam and in the same direction as the "Alaska."
+
+"There is now no doubt of it. It is the 'Albatross,'" said Erik.
+
+He gave orders to the engineer to increase the speed of the "Alaska," if
+possible. They were then making fourteen knots, and in a quarter of an
+hour they were making sixteen knots. The vessel that they were pursuing
+had not been able to attain a like rate of speed, for the "Alaska"
+continued to gain upon her. In thirty minutes they were near enough to
+her to distinguish all her men who were maneuvering her. At last they
+could see the moldings and letters forming her name, "Albatross."
+
+Erik gave orders to hoist the Swedish flag. The "Albatross" immediately
+hoisted the stars and stripes of the United States of America.
+
+In a few minutes the two vessels were only separated by a few hundred
+yards. Then the captain of the "Alaska" took his speaking-trumpet and
+hailed the vessel in English:
+
+"Ship ahoy! I wish to speak with your captain!"
+
+In a few moments some one made his appearance on the bridge of the
+"Albatross." It was Tudor Brown.
+
+"I am the proprietor and captain of this yacht," he said. "What do you
+want?"
+
+"I wish to know whether Patrick O'Donoghan is on board!'"
+
+"Patrick O'Donoghan is on board and can speak for himself," answered
+Tudor Brown.
+
+He made a sign, and a man joined him on the bridge.
+
+"This is Patrick O'Donoghan," said Tudor Brown. "What do you want with
+him?"
+
+Erik was desirous of this interview so long, he had come so far in
+search of this man, that when he found himself unexpectedly in his
+presence and recognized him by his red hair and broken nose, he was at
+first taken aback and scarcely knew what to say to him. But gathering
+his ideas together, he at last made an attempt.
+
+"I have been wishing to talk to you confidentially for several years,"
+he said. "I have been seeking for you, and it was to find you that I
+came into these seas. Will you come on board of my vessel?"
+
+"I do not know you, and I am very well satisfied to stay where I am,"
+answered the man.
+
+"But I know you. I have heard through Mr. Bowles that you were on board
+when the 'Cynthia' was wrecked, and that you had spoken to him about the
+infant who was tied to a buoy. I am that infant, and it is about this
+matter that I wish you to give me all the information in your power."
+
+"You must question somebody else, for I am not in the humor to give
+any."
+
+"Do you wish me to suppose that the information is not to your credit?"
+
+"You can think what you like; it is a matter of perfect indifference to
+me," said the man.
+
+Erik resolved to betray no irritation.
+
+"It would be better for you to tell me what I wish to know of your own
+free will than to be compelled to do so before a court of justice," he
+said, coolly.
+
+"A court of justice! They will have to catch me first," answered the
+other, mockingly.
+
+Here Tudor Brown interposed.
+
+"You see it is not my fault if you have not obtained the information
+that you desired," said he to Erik. "The best thing is now for us both
+to resume our course and go where we desire."
+
+"Why should we each go our way?" answered the young captain. "Would it
+not be better for us to keep together until we reach some civilized
+country where we can settle these matters."
+
+"I have no business with you, and do not want any one's company,"
+answered Tudor Brown, moving as if he was about to leave the bridge.
+
+Erik stopped him by a sign.
+
+"Proprietor of the 'Albatross,'" he said, "I bear a regular commission
+from my government, and am besides an officer of the maritime police. I
+therefore ask you to show me your papers immediately!"
+
+Tudor Brown did not make the slightest answer, but descended the bridge
+with the man whom he had called. Erik waited a couple of minutes, and
+then he spoke again:
+
+"Commander of the 'Albatross,' I accuse you of having attempted to
+shipwreck my vessel on the rocks of Sein, and I now summon you to come
+and answer this accusation before a marine tribunal. If you refuse to
+answer this summons it will be my duty to compel you to do so!"
+
+"Try it if you like," cried Tudor Brown, and gave orders to resume his
+journey.
+
+During this colloquy his vessel had insensibly tacked, and now stood at
+right angles with the "Alaska." Suddenly the wheel commenced to revolve
+and beat the water which boiled and foamed around it. A prolonged
+whistle was heard, and the "Albatross" carrying all the steam she could
+raise sped over the waters in the direction of the North Pole.
+
+Two minutes later, the "Alaska" was rushing after her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+CANNON-BALLS.
+
+
+At the same time that he gave orders to pursue the "Albatross," Erik
+also desired his men to get the cannon in readiness. The operation took
+some time, and when they had everything in order the enemy was beyond
+their reach. Doubtless they had taken advantage of the time occupied by
+their stoppage to increase their fires, and they were two or three miles
+ahead. This was not too great a distance for a Gatling gun to carry, but
+the rolling and speed of the two vessels made it probable that they
+would miss her; and they thought it better to wait, hoping that the
+"Alaska" would gain upon the enemy. It soon became evident, however,
+that the two vessels were equally matched, for the distance between them
+remained about the same for several hours.
+
+They were obliged to burn an enormous amount of coal--an article which
+was becoming very scarce on board the "Alaska"--and this would be a
+heavy loss if they could not succeed in overtaking the "Albatross"
+before night set in. Erik did not think it right to do this without
+consulting his crew. He therefore mounted the bridge, and frankly
+explained to them the position in which he was placed.
+
+"My friends," he said, "you know that I am anxious to seize and deliver
+up to justice this rascal who attempted to shipwreck our vessel on the
+rocks of Sein. But we have hardly coal enough left to last us for six
+days. Any deviation from our route will compel us to finish our voyage
+under sail, which may make it very long and toilsome for all of us, and
+may even cause us to fail in our undertaking. On the other hand, the
+'Albatross' counts upon being able to get away from us during the night.
+To prevent this we must not slacken our speed for a moment, and we must
+keep her within the range of our electric light. I feel sure, however,
+that we will eventually overtake her, but it may take us some time to do
+so. I did not feel willing to continue this pursuit without laying the
+facts plainly before you, and asking you if you were willing to risk the
+dangers which may arise for us."
+
+The men consulted together in a low tone, and then commissioned Mr.
+Hersebom to speak for them:
+
+"We are of opinion that it is the duty of the 'Alaska' to capture this
+rascal at any sacrifice!" he said, quietly.
+
+"Very well, then, we will do our best to accomplish it," answered Erik.
+
+When he found that he had the confidence of his crew, he did not spare
+fuel, and in spite of the desperate efforts of Tudor Brown, he could not
+increase the distance between them. The sun had scarcely set when the
+electric light of the "Alaska" was brought to bear unpityingly upon the
+"Albatross," and continued in this position during the night. At
+day-break the distance between them was still the same, and they were
+flying toward the pole. At midday they made a solar observation, and
+found that they were in 78, 21', 14" of latitude north, by 90 of
+longitude east.
+
+Floating ice, which they had not encountered for ten or fifteen days,
+now became very frequent. It was necessary to ward it off, as they had
+been compelled to do in Baffin's Bay. Erik, feeling sure that they would
+soon reach fields of ice, was careful to steer obliquely to the right of
+the "Albatross" so as to bar the way toward the east if she should
+attempt to change her course, finding her path toward the north
+obstructed. His foresight was soon rewarded, for in two hours a lofty
+barrier of ice casts its profile on the horizon. The American yacht
+immediately steered toward the west, leaving the ice two or three miles
+on its starboard. The "Alaska" immediately imitated this maneuver, but
+so obliquely to the left of the "Albatross" as to cut her off if she
+attempted to sail to the south.
+
+The chase became very exciting. Feeling sure of the course which the
+"Albatross" would be compelled to take, the "Alaska" tried to push her
+more toward the ice. The yacht's course becomes more and more wavering,
+every moment they made some change, at one time steering north at
+another west. Erik, mounted aloft, watched every movement she made, and
+thwarted her attempts to escape by appropriate maneuvers. Suddenly she
+stopped short, swung round and faced the "Alaska." A long white line
+which was apparent extending westward told the reason of this change.
+The "Albatross" found herself so close to the ice-banks that she had no
+recourse but to turn and face them.
+
+The young captain of the "Alaska" had scarcely time to descend, before
+some missile whistled past his head. The "Albatross" was armed, and
+relied upon being able to defend herself.
+
+"I prefer that it should be so, and that he should fire the first shot,"
+said Erik, as he gave orders to return it.
+
+His first attack was not more successful than that of Tudor Brown--for
+it fell short two or three hundred yards. But the combat was now begun,
+and the firing became regular. An American projectile cut the large sail
+yards of the "Alaska," and it fell upon the deck killing two men. A
+small bomb from the Swedish vessel fell upon the bridge of the
+"Albatross," and must have made great havoc. Then other projectiles
+skillfully thrown lodged in various parts of the vessel.
+
+They had been constantly approaching each other, when suddenly a distant
+rumbling mingled with the roar of artillery, and the crews raising their
+heads saw that the sky was very black in the east.
+
+Was a storm with its accompanying fog and blinding snow, coming to
+interpose between the "Albatross" and the "Alaska," to permit Tudor
+Brown to escape?
+
+This Erik wished to prevent at any price. He resolved to attempt to
+board her. Arming his men with sabers, cutlasses, and hatchets, he
+crowded on all the steam the vessel could carry and rushed toward the
+"Albatross."
+
+Tudor Brown tried to prevent this. He retreated toward the banks of ice,
+firing a shot from his cannon every five minutes. But his field of
+action had now become too limited; between the ice and the "Alaska" he
+saw that he was lost unless he made a bold attempt to regain the open
+sea. He attempted this after a few feigned maneuvers to deceive his
+adversary.
+
+Erik let him do it. Then at the precise moment when the "Albatross"
+tried to pass the "Alaska," she made a gaping hole in the side of the
+yacht which stopped her instantly, and rendered her almost unmanageable;
+then she fell quickly behind and prepared to renew the assault. But the
+weather, which had become more and more menacing, did not give him time
+to do this.
+
+The tempest was upon them. A fierce wind from the south-east,
+accompanied by blinding clouds of snow, which not only raised the waves
+to a prodigious height, but dashed against the two vessels immense
+masses of floating ice. It seemed as if they were attacked at all points
+at once. Erik realized his situation, and saw that he had not a minute
+to lose in escaping, unless he wished to be hemmed in perhaps
+permanently. He steered due east, struggling against the wind, the snow,
+and the dashing ice.
+
+But he was soon obliged to confess that his efforts were fruitless. The
+tempest raged with such violence that neither the engine of the "Alaska"
+nor her steel buttress were of much use. Not only did the vessel advance
+very slowly, but at times she seemed to be fairly driven backward. The
+snow was so thick that it obscured the sky, blinded the crew, and
+covered the bridge a foot in depth. The ice driven against the "Alaska"
+by the fierce wind increased and barred their progress, so that at
+length they were glad to retreat toward the banks, in the hope of
+finding some little haven where they could remain until the storm passed
+over.
+
+The American yacht had disappeared, and after the blow it had received
+from the "Alaska" they almost doubted if it would be able to resist the
+tornado.
+
+Their own situation was so perilous that they could only think of their
+own safety, for every moment it grew worse.
+
+There is nothing more frightful than those arctic tempests, in which all
+the primitive forces of nature seem to be awakened in order to give the
+navigator a specimen of the cataclysms of the glacial period. The
+darkness was profound although it was only five o'clock in the
+afternoon. The engine had stopped, and they were unable to light their
+electric light. To the raging of the storm was added the roars of
+thunder and the tumult made by the floating blocks of ice dashing
+against each other. The ice-banks were continually breaking with a noise
+like the roar of a cannon.
+
+The "Alaska" was soon surrounded by ice. The little harbor in which she
+had taken refuge was soon completely filled with it, and it commenced to
+press upon and dash against her sides until she began to crack, and they
+feared every moment that she would go to pieces.
+
+Erik resolved not to succumb to the storm without a combat with it, and
+he set the crew to work arranging heavy beams around the vessel so as to
+weaken the pressure as much as possible, and distribute it over a wider
+surface. But, although this protected the vessel, it led to an
+unforeseen result which threatened to be fatal.
+
+The vessel, instead of being suddenly crushed, was lifted out of the
+water by every movement of the ice, and then fell back again on it with
+the force of a trip-hammer. At any moment after one of these frightful
+falls they might be broken up, crushed, buried. To ward off this danger
+there was only one resource, and this was to re-enforce their barrier by
+heaping up the drift ice and snow around the vessel to protect her as
+well as they could.
+
+Everybody set to work with ardor. It was a touching spectacle to see
+this little handful of men taxing their pygmy muscles to resist the
+forces of nature--trying with anchors, chains, and planks to fill up the
+fissures made in the ice and to cover them with snow, so that there
+might be a uniformity of motion among the mass. After four or five hours
+of almost superhuman exertions, and when their strength was exhausted,
+they were in no less danger, for the storm had increased.
+
+Erik held a consultation with his officers, and it was decided that they
+should make a depot on the ice-field for their food and ammunition in
+case the "Alaska" should be unable to resist the powerful shocks to
+which she was being subjected. At the first moment of danger every man
+had received provisions enough for eight days, with precise instructions
+in case of disaster, besides being ordered to keep his gun in his belt
+even while he was working. The operation of transporting twenty tons of
+provisions was not easy of accomplishment, but at last it was done and
+the food was placed about two hundred yards from the ship under a
+covering of tarred canvas, which was soon covered by the snow with a
+thick white mantle.
+
+This precaution, having been taken, everybody felt more comfortable as
+to the result of a shipwreck, and the crew assembled to recruit their
+strength with a supper supplemented with tea and rum.
+
+Suddenly, in the midst of supper, a more violent shock than any that had
+as yet agitated the vessel, split the bed of ice and snow around the
+"Alaska." She was lifted up in the stern with a terrible noise, and then
+it appeared as if she were plunging head-foremost into an abyss. There
+was a panic, and every one rushed on deck. Some of the men thought that
+the moment had come to take refuge on the ice, and without waiting for
+the signal of the officers they commenced clambering over the bulwarks.
+
+Four or five of these unfortunate ones managed to leap on a snow-bank.
+Two others were caught between the masses of floating ice and the beams
+of the starboard, as the "Alaska" righted herself.
+
+Their cries of pain and the noise of their crushed bones were lost in
+the storm. There was a lull, and the vessel remained motionless. The
+lesson which the sailors had been taught was a tragical one. Erik made
+use of it to enforce on the crew the necessity of each man's retaining
+his presence of mind, and of waiting for positive orders on all
+occasions.
+
+"You must understand," he said to his men, "that to leave the ship is a
+supreme measure, to which we must have recourse only at the last
+extremity. All our efforts ought to be directed toward saving the
+'Alaska.' Deprived of her, our situation will be a very precarious one
+on the ice. It is only in case of our vessel becoming uninhabitable that
+we must desert it. In any case such a movement should be made in an
+orderly manner to avoid disasters. I therefore expect that you will
+return quietly to your supper, and leave to your superior officers the
+task of determining what is best to do!"
+
+The firmness with which he spoke had the effect of reassuring the most
+timid, and they all descended again. Erik then called Mr. Hersebom and
+asked him to untie his good dog Kaas, and follow him without making any
+noise.
+
+"We will go on the field of ice," he said, "and seek for the fugitives
+and make them return to their duty, which will be better for them than
+wandering about."
+
+The poor devils were huddled together on the ice, ashamed of their
+escapade, and at the first summons were only too glad to take the path
+toward the "Alaska."
+
+Erik and Mr. Hersebom having seen them safely on board, walked as far as
+their depot of provisions, thinking that another sailor might have taken
+refuge there. They went all around it but saw no one.
+
+"I have been asking myself the last few moments," said Erik, "if it
+would not be better to prevent another panic by landing part of the
+crew?"
+
+"It might be better perhaps," answered the fisherman. "But would not the
+men who remained on board feel jealous and become demoralized by this
+measure?"
+
+"That is true," said Erik. "It would be wiser to occupy them up to the
+last moment in struggling against the tempest, and it is in fact the
+only chance we have of saving the ship. But since we are on the ice we
+may as well take advantage of it, and explore it a little. I confess all
+these crackings and detonations inspire me with some doubt as to its
+solidity!"
+
+Erik and his adopted father had not gone more than three hundred feet
+from their depot of provisions before they were stopped short by a
+gigantic crevasse which lay open at their feet. To cross it would have
+required long poles, with which they had neglected to supply themselves.
+They were therefore compelled to walk beside it obliquely toward the
+west, in order to see how far it reached.
+
+They found that this crevasse extended for a long distance, so long that
+after they had walked for half an hour they could not see the end of it.
+Feeling more secure about the extent of this field of ice upon which
+they had established their depot of provisions, they turned to retreat
+their steps.
+
+After they had walked over about half of the distance a new vibration
+occurred, followed by detonations and tumultuous heavings of ice. They
+were not greatly disturbed by this, but increased their speed, being
+anxious to discover whether this shock had had done the "Alaska" any
+mischief.
+
+The depot was soon reached, then the little haven that sheltered the
+vessel.
+
+Erik and Mr. Hersebom rubbed their eyes, and asked each other whether
+they were dreaming, for the "Alaska" was no longer there.
+
+Their first thought was that she had been swallowed up by the waters. It
+was only too natural that they should think this after such an evening
+as they had just passed.
+
+But immediately they were struck by the fact that no _debris_ was
+visible, and that the little harbor had assumed a new aspect since their
+departure. The drift ice which the tempest had piled up around the
+"Alaska" had been broken up, and much of it had drifted away. At the
+same time Mr. Hersebom mentioned a fact which had not struck him while
+they were hurrying along, and this was that the wind had changed and was
+now blowing from the west.
+
+Was it not possible that the storm had carried away the floating ice in
+which the "Alaska" had become embedded. Yes, evidently it was possible;
+but it remained for them to discover whether this supposition was true.
+Without delaying a moment, Erik proceeded to reconnoiter, followed by
+Mr. Hersebom.
+
+They walked for a long time. Everywhere the drift was floating freely,
+the waves came and went, but the whole aspect of things around them
+looked strange and different.
+
+At length Erik stopped. Now he understood what had befallen them. He
+took Mr. Hersebom's hand and pressed it with both his own.
+
+"Father," said he, in a grave voice, "you are one of those to whom I can
+only speak the truth. Well, the fact is that this ice-field has split;
+it has broken away from that which surrounded the 'Alaska,' and we are
+on an island of ice hundreds of yards long, and carried along by the
+waters, and at the mercy of the storm."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+GUNSHOTS.
+
+
+About two o'clock in the morning Erik and Mr. Hersebom, exhausted with
+fatigue, laid down side by side between two casks, under the canvas that
+protected their provisions. Kaas, also, was close to them and kept them
+warm with his thick fur. They were not long in falling asleep. When they
+awoke the sun was already high in the heavens, the sky was blue and the
+sea calm. The immense bank of ice upon which they were floating appeared
+to be motionless, its movement was so gentle and regular. But along the
+two edges of it which were nearest to them enormous icebergs were being
+carried along with frightful rapidity. These gigantic crystals reflected
+like a prism the solar rays, and they were the most marvelous that Erik
+had ever beheld.
+
+Mr. Hersebom also, although but little inclined in general, and
+especially in his present situation, to admire the splendor of Nature in
+the arctic regions, could not help being impressed with them.
+
+"How beautiful this would look were we on a good ship!" he said,
+sighing.
+
+"Bah!" answered Erik, with his usual good humor. "On board a ship one
+must be thinking only how to avoid the icebergs so as not to be crushed
+to pieces, whilst on this island of ice we have none of these miseries
+to worry us."
+
+As this was evidently the view of an optimist, Mr. Hersebom answered
+with a sad smile. But Erik was determined to take a cheerful view of
+things.
+
+"Is it not an extraordinary piece of good luck that we have this depot
+of provisions?" he said. "Our case would, indeed, be a desperate one if
+we were deprived of everything; but, with twenty casks of biscuits,
+preserved meats, and, above all, our guns and cartridges, what have we
+to fear? At the most, we will only have to remain some weeks without
+seeing any land that we can reach. You see, dear father, that we have
+happened upon this adventure in the same manner as the crew of the
+'Hansa.'"
+
+"Of the 'Hansa'?" asked Mr. Hersebom, with curiosity.
+
+"Yes, a vessel that set out in 1869 for the arctic seas. Part of her
+crew were left, as we are, on a floating field of ice, while they were
+occupied in transporting some provisions and coal. The brave men
+accommodated themselves as well as they could to this new life, and
+after floating for six mouths and a half over a distance of several
+thousand leagues, ended by landing in the arctic regions of North
+America."
+
+"May we be as fortunate!" said Mr. Hersebom, with a sigh. "But it would
+be well I think for us to eat something."
+
+"That is also my opinion!" said Erik. "A biscuit and a slice of beef
+would be very acceptable."
+
+Mr. Hersebom opened two casks to take out what they required for their
+breakfast, and as soon as his arrangements were completed they did ample
+justice to the provisions.
+
+"Was the raft of the crew of the 'Hansa' as large as ours?" asked the
+old fisherman, after ten minutes conscientiously devoted to repairing
+his strength.
+
+"I think not--ours is considerably larger. The 'Hansa's' became
+gradually much smaller, so that the unfortunate shipwrecked men were at
+last compelled to abandon it, for the waves began to dash over them.
+Fortunately they had a large boat which enabled them, when their island
+was no longer habitable, to reach another. They did this several times
+before they at last reached the main-land."
+
+"Ah, I see!" said Mr. Hersebom, "they had a boat--but we have not.
+Unless we embark in an empty hogshead I do not see how we can ever leave
+this island of ice."
+
+"We shall see about it when the time comes!" answered Erik. "At the
+present moment I think the best thing that we can do is to make a
+thorough exploration of our domain."
+
+He arose, as did Mr. Hersebom, and they commenced climbing a hill of ice
+and snow--a hummock is the technical name--in order to obtain a general
+idea of their island.
+
+They found it from one end to the other lying and floating insensibly
+upon the polar ocean. But it was very difficult to form a correct
+estimate either of its size or shape; for a great number of hummocks
+intercepted their view on all sides. They resolved, however, to walk to
+the extremity of it. As far as they could judge from the position of the
+sun, that end of the island which extended toward the west had been
+detached from the mass of which it had formerly been a part, and was now
+turning to the north. They therefore supposed that their ice raft was
+being carried toward the south by the influence of the tide and breeze,
+and the fact that they no longer saw any trace of the long barriers of
+ice, which are very extensive in the 78, fully corroborated this
+hypothesis.
+
+Their island was entirely covered with snow, and upon this snow they saw
+distinctly here and there at a distance some black spots, which Mr.
+Hersebom immediately recognized as "ongionks," that is to say, a species
+of walrus of great size. These walruses doubtless inhabited the caverns
+and crevasses in the ice, and believing themselves perfectly secure from
+any attack, were basking in the sunshine.
+
+It took Erik and Mr. Hersebom more than an hour to walk to the extreme
+end of their island. They had followed closely the eastern side, because
+that permitted them to explore at the same time both their raft and the
+sea. Suddenly Kaas, who ran ahead of them, put to flight some of the
+walruses which they had seen in the distance. They ran toward the border
+of the field of ice in order to throw themselves into the water. Nothing
+would have been more easy than to have killed a number of them. But what
+would have been the use of their doing so, since they could not make a
+fire to roast their delicate flesh? Erik was occupied about other
+matters. He carefully examined the ice-field, and found that it was far
+from being homogeneous. Numerous crevasses and fissures, which seemed to
+extend in many cases for a long distance, made him fear that a slight
+shock might divide it into several fragments. It was true that these
+fragments might in all probability be of considerable size; but the
+possibility of such an accident made them realize the necessity of
+keeping as close as possible to their depot of provisions, unless they
+wished to be deprived of them. Erik resolved to examine carefully their
+whole domain, and to make his abode on the most massive portion; the one
+that seemed capable of offering the greatest resistance. He also
+determined to transport to this spot their depot of provisions.
+
+It was with this resolve that Mr. Hersebom and Erik continued their
+exploration of the western coast, after resting a few minutes at the
+northerly point. They were now following that portion of the ice-field
+where they had attacked the American yacht.
+
+Kaas ran on before them, seeming to enjoy the freshness of the air, and
+being in his true element on this carpet of snow, which doubtless
+reminded him of the plains of Greenland.
+
+Suddenly Erik saw him sniff the air and then dart forward like an arrow,
+and stop barking beside some dark object, which was partially hidden by
+a mass of ice.
+
+"Another walrus, I suppose!" he said, hurrying forward.
+
+It was not a walrus which lay extended on the snow, and which had so
+excited Kaas. It was a man, insensible, and covered with blood, whose
+clothing of skins was assuredly not the dress worn by any seamen of the
+"Alaska." It reminded Erik of the clothing worn by the man who had
+passed the winter on the "Vega." He raised the head of the man; it was
+covered with thick red hair, and it was remarkable that his nose was
+crushed in like that of a negro.
+
+Erik asked himself whether he was the sport of some illusion.
+
+He opened the man's waistcoat, and bared his chest. It was perhaps as
+much to ascertain whether his heart still beat as to seek for his name.
+
+He found his name tattooed in blue, on a rudely designed escutcheon.
+"Patrick O'Donoghan, 'Cynthia,'" and his heart still beat. The man was
+not dead. He had a large wound in his head, another in his shoulder, and
+on his chest a contusion, which greatly interfered with his respiration.
+
+"He must be carried to our place of shelter, and restored to life," said
+Erik, to Mr. Hersebom.
+
+And then he added in a low tone as if he was afraid of being overheard.
+
+"It is he, father, whom we have been seeking for such a long time
+without being able to find him--Patrick O'Donoghan--and see he is almost
+unable to breathe."
+
+The thought that the secret of his life was known to this bloody object
+upon which death already appeared to have set his seal, kindled a gloomy
+flame in Erik's eyes. His adopted father divined his thoughts, and could
+not help shrugging his shoulders--he seemed to say:
+
+"Of what use would it be to discover it now. The knowledge of all the
+secrets in the world would be useless to us."
+
+He, however, took the body by the limbs, while Erik lifted him under the
+arms, and loaded with this burden they resumed their walk.
+
+The motion made the wounded man open his eyes. Soon the pain caused by
+his wounds was so great that he began to moan and utter confused cries,
+among which they distinguished the English word "drink!"
+
+They were still some distance from their depot of provisions. Erik,
+however, stopped and propped the unfortunate man against a hummock, and
+then put his leathern bottle to his lips.
+
+It was nearly empty, but the mouthful of strong liquor that Patrick
+O'Donoghan swallowed seemed to restore him to life. He looked around
+him, heaved a deep sigh and then said:
+
+"Where is Mr. Jones?"
+
+"We found you alone on the ice," answered Erik. "Had you been there
+long?"
+
+"I do not know!" answered the wounded man, with difficulty. "Give me
+something more to drink." He swallowed a second mouthful and then he
+recovered sufficiently to be able to speak.
+
+"When the tempest overtook us the yacht sunk," he explained. "Some of
+the crew had time to throw themselves into the boats, the rest perished.
+At the first moment of peril Mr. Jones made a sign for me to go with him
+into a life-boat, which was suspended in the stern of the yacht and that
+every one else disdained on account of its small dimensions, but which
+proved to be safe, as it was impossible to sink it. It is the only one
+which reached the ice island--all the others were upset before they
+reached it. We were terribly wounded by the drift ice which the waves
+threw into our boat, but at length we were able to draw ourselves beyond
+their reach and wait for the dawn of day. This morning Mr. Jones left me
+to go and see if he could kill a walrus, or some sea-bird, in order that
+we might have something to eat. I have not seen him since!"
+
+"Is Mr. Jones one of the officers of the 'Albatross'?" asked Erik.
+
+"He is the owner and captain of her!" answered O'Donoghan, in a tone
+which seemed to express surprise at the question.
+
+"Then Mr. Tudor Brown is not the captain of the 'Albatross'?"
+
+"I don't know," said the wounded man, hesitatingly, seeming to ask
+himself whether he had been too confidential in speaking as freely as he
+had done.
+
+Erik did not think it wise to insist on this point. He had too many
+other questions to ask.
+
+"You see," he said to the Irishman, as he seated himself on the snow
+beside him, "you refused the other day to come on board of my ship and
+talk with me, and your refusal has occasioned many disasters. But now
+that we have met again, let us profit by this opportunity to talk
+seriously and like rational men. You see you are here on a floating
+ice-bank, without food, and seriously wounded, incapable by your own
+efforts of escaping the most cruel death. My adopted father and myself
+have all that you need, food, fire-arms, and brandy. We will share with
+you, and take care of you until you are well again. In return for our
+care, we only ask you to treat us with a little confidence!"
+
+The Irishman gave Erik an irresolute look in which gratitude seemed to
+mingle with fear--a look of fearful indecision.
+
+"That depends on the kind of confidence that you ask for?" he said,
+evasively.
+
+"Oh, you know very well," answered Erik, making an effort to smile, and
+taking in his hands those of the wounded man. "I told you the other day;
+you know what I want to find out and what I have come so far to
+discover. Now, Patrick O'Donoghan, make a little effort and disclose to
+me this secret which is of so much importance to me, tell me what you
+know about the infant tied to the buoy. Give me the faintest indication
+of who I am, so that I may find my family. What do you fear? What danger
+do you run in satisfying me?"
+
+O'Donoghan did not answer, but seemed to be turning over in his obtuse
+brain the arguments that Erik had used.
+
+"But," he said at last, with an effort, "if we succeed in getting away
+from here, and we reach some country where there are judges and courts,
+you could do me some harm?"
+
+"No, I swear that I would not. I swear it by all that is sacred," said
+Erik, hotly. "Whatever may be the injuries you have inflicted upon me or
+upon others, I guarantee that you shall not suffer for them in any way.
+Besides, there is one fact of which you seem to be ignorant, it is that
+there is a limit to such matters. When such events have taken place more
+than twenty years ago, human justice has no longer the right to demand
+an accounting for them."
+
+"Is that true?" asked Patrick O'Donoghan, distrustfully. "Mr. Jones told
+me that the 'Alaska' had been sent by the police, and you yourself spoke
+of a tribunal."
+
+"That was about recent events--an accident that happened to us at the
+beginning of our journey. You may be sure that Mr. Jones was mocking
+you, Patrick. Doubtless he has some interest of his own for wishing you
+not to tell."
+
+"You may be sure of that," said the Irishman, earnestly. "But how did
+you discover that I was acquainted with this secret?"
+
+"Through Mr. and Mrs. Bowles of the Red Anchor in Brooklyn, who had
+often heard you speak of the infant tied to the buoy."
+
+"That is true," said the Irishman. He reflected again. "Then you are
+sure that you were not sent by the police?" he said, at length.
+
+"No--what an absurd idea. I came of my own accord on account of my
+ardent desire, my thirst, to discover the land of my birth and to find
+out who my parents were, that is all."
+
+O'Donoghan smiled, proudly:
+
+"Ah, that is what you want to know," he said. "Well, it is true that I
+can tell you. It is true that I know."
+
+"Tell me--tell me!" cried Erik, seeing that he hesitated. "Tell me and I
+promise you pardon for all the evil that you have done, and my
+everlasting gratitude if I am ever in a position to show it!"
+
+The Irishman gave a covetous look at the leathern bottle.
+
+"It makes my throat dry to talk so much," he said, in a faint tone. "I
+will drink a little more if you are willing to give it to me."
+
+"There is no more here, but we can get some at our depot of provisions.
+We have two large cases of brandy there," answered Erik, handing the
+bottle to Mr. Hersebom.
+
+The latter immediately walked away, followed by Kaas.
+
+"They will not be gone long," said the young man, turning toward his
+companion. "Now, my brave fellow, do not make merchandise of your
+confidence. Put yourself in my place. Suppose that during all your life
+you had been ignorant of the name of your country, and that of your
+mother, and that at last you found yourself in the presence of a man who
+knew all about it, and who refused the information which was of such
+inestimable value to you, and that at the very time when you had saved
+him, restored him to consciousness and life. I do not ask you to do
+anything impossible. I do not ask you to criminate yourself if you have
+anything to reproach yourself with. Give me only an indication, the very
+slightest. Put me on the track, so that I can find my family; and that
+is all that I shall ask of you."
+
+"By my faith, I will do you this favor!" said Patrick, evidently moved.
+"You know that I was a cabin-boy on board the 'Cynthia'?"
+
+He stopped short.
+
+Erik hung upon his words. Was he at last going to find out the truth?
+Was he going to solve this enigma and discover the name of his family,
+the land of his birth? Truly the scene appeared to him almost
+chimerical. He fastened his eyes upon the wounded man, ready to drink in
+his words with avidity. For nothing in the world would he have
+interfered with his recital, neither by interruption nor gesture. He did
+not even observe that a shadow had appeared behind him. It was the sight
+of this shadow which had stopped the story of Patrick O'Donoghan.
+
+"Mr. Jones!" he said, in the tone of a school-boy detected in some
+flagrant mischief.
+
+Erik turned and saw Tudor Brown coming around a neighboring hummock,
+where until this moment he had been hidden from their sight.
+
+The exclamation of the Irishman confirmed the suspicion which during the
+last hour had presented itself to his mind.
+
+Mr. Jones and Tudor Brown were one and the same person.
+
+He had hardly time to make this reflection before two shots were heard.
+
+Tudor Brown raised his gun and shot Patrick O'Donoghan through the
+heart, who fell backward.
+
+Then before he had time to lower his rifle, Tudor Brown received a
+bullet in his forehead, and fell forward on his face.
+
+"I did well to come back when I saw suspicious footprints in the snow,"
+said Mr. Hersebom, coming forward, his gun still smoking in his hands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE END OF THE VOYAGE.
+
+
+Erik gave a cry and threw himself on his knees beside Patrick
+O'Donoghan, seeking for some sign of life, a ray of hope. But the
+Irishman was certainly dead this time, and that without revealing his
+secret.
+
+As for Tudor Brown, one convulsion shook his body, his gun fell from his
+hands, in which he had tightly held it at the moment of his fall, and he
+expired without a word.
+
+"Father, what have you done?" cried Erik, bitterly. "Why have you
+deprived me of the last chance that was left to me of discovering the
+secret of my birth? Would it not have been better for us to throw
+ourselves upon this man and take him prisoner?"
+
+"And do you believe that he would have allowed us to do so?" answered
+Mr. Hersebom. "His second shot was intended for you, you may be sure. I
+have avenged the murder of this unfortunate man, punished the criminal
+who attempted to shipwreck us, and who is guilty perhaps of other
+crimes. Whatever may be the result, I do not regret having done so.
+Besides of what consequence is the mystery surrounding your birth, my
+child, to men in our situation? The secret of your birth before long,
+without doubt, will be revealed to us by God."
+
+He had hardly finished speaking, when the firing of a cannon was heard,
+and it was re-echoed by the icebergs. It seemed like a reply to the
+discouraging words of the old fisherman. It was doubtless a response to
+the two gunshots which had been fired on their island of ice.
+
+"The cannon of the 'Alaska!' We are saved!" cried Erik, jumping up and
+climbing a hummock to get a better view of the sea that surrounded them.
+
+He saw nothing at first but the icebergs, driven by the wind and
+sparkling in the sunshine. But Mr. Hersebom, who had immediately
+reloaded his gun, fired into the air, and a second discharge from the
+cannon answered him almost immediately.
+
+Then Erik discovered a thin streak of black smoke toward the west,
+clearly defined against the blue sky. Gunshots, answered by the cannon,
+were repeated at intervals of a few minutes, and soon the "Alaska"
+steamed around an iceberg and made all speed toward the north of the
+island.
+
+Erik and Mr. Hersebom, weeping for joy, threw themselves into each
+other's arms. They waved their handkerchiefs and threw their caps into
+the air, seeking by all means to attract the attention of their friends.
+
+At length the "Alaska" stopped, a boat was lowered, and in twenty
+minutes it reached their island.
+
+Who can describe the unbounded joy of Dr. Schwaryencrona, Mr. Bredejord,
+Mr. Malarius, and Otto when they found them well and safe; for through
+the long hours of that sad night they had mourned them as lost.
+
+They related all that had befallen them--their fears and despair during
+the night, their vain appeals, their useless anger. The "Alaska" had
+been found in the morning to be almost entirely clear of the ice, and
+they had dislodged what remained with the assistance of their gunpowder.
+Mr. Bosewitz had taken command, being the second-officer, and had
+immediately started in search of the floating island, taking the
+direction in which the wind would carry it. This navigation amidst
+floating icebergs was the most perilous which the "Alaska" had as yet
+attempted; but thanks to the excellent training to which the young
+captain had accustomed his crew, and to the experience which they had
+acquired in maneuvering the vessel, they passed safely among these
+moving masses of ice without being crushed by them. The "Alaska" had had
+the advantage of being able to travel more swiftly than the icebergs,
+and she had been able to benefit by this circumstance. Kind Providence
+had willed that her search should not prove fruitless. At nine o'clock
+in the morning the island had been sighted. They recognized it by its
+shape, and then the two shots from the guns made them hopeful of finding
+their two shipwrecked friends.
+
+All their other troubles now appeared to them as insignificant. They had
+a long and dangerous voyage before them, which they must accomplish
+under sail, for their coal was exhausted.
+
+"No," said Erik, "we will not make it under sail. I have another plan.
+We will permit the ice island to tow us along, as long as she goes
+toward the south or west. That will spare us incessantly fighting with
+the icebergs, for our island will chase them ahead of her. Then we can
+collect here all the combustibles that we will require in order to
+finish the voyage, when we are ready to resume it."
+
+"What are you talking about?" asked the doctor, laughing. "Is there an
+oil-well on this island?"
+
+"Not exactly an oil-well," answered Erik, "but what will answer our
+purpose nearly as well, multitudes of fat walruses. I wish to try an
+experiment, since we have one furnace especially adapted for burning
+oil."
+
+They began their labors by performing the last rites of the two dead
+men. They tied weights to their feet and lowered them into the sea. Then
+the "Alaska" made fast to the ice bank in such a manner as to follow its
+movements without sustaining any injury to herself. They were able, with
+care, to carry on board again the provisions which they had landed, and
+which it was important for them not to lose. That operation
+accomplished, they devoted all their energies to the pursuit of the
+walrus.
+
+Two or three times a day, parties armed with guns and harpoons and
+accompanied by all their Greenland dogs landed on the ice bank, and
+surrounded the sleeping monsters at the mouth of their holes. They
+killed them by firing a ball into their ears, then they cut them up, and
+placed the lard with which they were filled in their sleighs, and the
+dogs drew it to the "Alaska." Their hunting was so easy and so
+productive, that in eight days they had all the lard that they could
+carry. The "Alaska," still towed by the floating island, was now in the
+seventy-fourth degree; that is to say, she had passed Nova Zembla.
+
+The ice island was now reduced at least one-half, and cracked by the sun
+was full of fissures, more or less extensive, evidently ready to go to
+pieces. Erik resolved not to wait until this happened, and ordering
+their anchor to be lifted, he sailed away westward.
+
+The lard was immediately utilized in the fire of the "Alaska," and
+proved an excellent combustible. The only fault was that it choked up
+the chimney, which necessitated a daily cleaning. As for its odor, that
+would doubtless have been very disagreeable to southern passengers, but
+to a crew composed of Swedes and Norwegians, it was only a secondary
+inconvenience.
+
+Thanks to this supply, the "Alaska" was able to keep up steam during the
+whole of the remainder of her voyage. She proceeded rapidly, in spite of
+contrary winds, and arrived on the 5th of September in sight of Cape
+North or Norway. They pursued their route with all possible speed,
+turned the Scandinavian Peninsula, repassed Skager-Rack, and reached the
+spot from which they had taken their departure.
+
+On the 14th of September they cast anchor before Stockholm, which they
+had left on the tenth of the preceding February.
+
+Thus, in seven months and four days, the first circumpolar periplus had
+been accomplished by a navigator of only twenty-two years of age.
+
+This geographical feat, which so promptly completed the great expedition
+of Nordenskiold, would soon make a prodigious commotion in the world.
+But the journals and reviews had not as yet had time to expatiate upon
+it. The uninitiated were hardly prepared to understand it, and one
+person, at least, reviewed it with suspicion--this was Kajsa. The
+supercilious smile with which she listened to the story of their
+adventures was indescribable.
+
+"Was it sensible to expose yourself to such dangers?" was her only
+comment.
+
+But the first opportunity that presented itself she did not fail to say
+to Erik:
+
+"I suppose that now you will do nothing more about this tiresome matter,
+since the Irishman is dead."
+
+What a difference there was between these cold criticisms and the
+letters full of sympathy and tenderness that Erik soon received from
+Noroe.
+
+Vanda told him in what a state of anxiety she and her mother had passed
+these long months, how the travelers had been ever present in their
+thoughts, and how happy they were when they heard of their safe return.
+If the expedition had not accomplished all that Erik hoped, they begged
+him not to worry himself too much about it. He must know that if he
+never succeeded in finding his own family he had one in the poor
+Norwegian village, where he would be tenderly cared for like one of
+themselves. Would he not soon come and see them, could he not stay with
+them one little month. It was the sincere desire of his adopted mother
+and of his little sister Vanda, etc., etc.
+
+The envelope also contained three pretty flowers, gathered on the
+borders of the fiord, and their perfume seemed to bring back vividly to
+Erik his gay and careless childhood. Ah, how sweet these loving words
+were to his poor disappointed heart, and they enabled him to fulfill
+more easily the concluding duties appertaining to the expedition. He
+hoped soon to be able to go and tell them all he felt. The voyage of the
+"Alaska" had equaled in grandeur that of the "Vega." The name of Erik
+was everywhere associated with the glorious name of Nordenskiold. The
+journals had a great deal to say about the new periplus. The ships of
+all nations anchored at Stockholm united in doing honor to this national
+victor. The learned societies came in a body to congratulate the
+commander and crew of the "Alaska." The public authorities proposed a
+national recompense for them.
+
+All these praises were painful to Erik. His conscience told him that the
+principal motive of this expedition on his part had been purely a
+personal one, and he felt scrupulous about accepting honors which
+appeared to him greatly exaggerated. He therefore availed himself of the
+first opportunity to state frankly that he had gone to the polar seas to
+discover if possible the secret of his birth, and of the shipwreck of
+the "Cynthia," that he had been unsuccessful in doing so.
+
+The occasion was offered by a reporter of one of the principal
+newspapers of Stockholm, who presented himself on board of the "Alaska"
+and solicited the favor of a private interview with the young captain.
+The object of this intelligent gazeteer, let us state briefly, was to
+extract from his victim the outlines of a biography which would cover
+one hundred lines. He could not have fallen on a subject more willing to
+submit to vivisection. Erik had been eager to tell the truth, and to
+proclaim to the world that he did not deserve to be regarded as a second
+Christopher Columbus. He therefore related unreservedly his story,
+explaining how he had been picked up at sea by a poor fisherman of
+Noroe, educated by Mr. Malarius, taken to Stockholm by Dr.
+Schwaryencrona; how they had found out that Patrick O'Donoghan probably
+held the key to the mystery that surrounded him. They discovered that he
+was on board of the "Vega;" they had gone in search of him. He related
+the accident which had induced them to change their route. Erik told all
+this to convince the world that he was no hero. He told it because he
+felt ashamed of being so overwhelmed with praises for a performance that
+only seemed to him natural and right.
+
+During this time the pen of the delighted reporter, Mr. Squirrelius,
+flew over the paper with stenographic rapidity. The dates, the names,
+the least details were noted with avidity. Mr. Squirrelius told himself
+with a beating heart that he had obtained matter not only for one
+hundred lines, but that he could make five or six hundred out of it. And
+what a story it would be--more interesting than a novel!
+
+The next day Erik's revelations filled the columns of the most largely
+circulated newspaper in Stockholm, and indeed in all Sweden. As is
+usually the case, Erik's sincerity, instead of diminishing his
+popularity, only increased it, on account of his modesty, and the
+romantic interest attached to his history. The press and the public
+seized upon it with avidity. These biographical details were soon
+translated into all languages, and made the tour of Europe. In this way
+they reached Paris, and penetrated in the form of a French newspaper
+into a modest drawing-room on Varennes Street.
+
+There were two persons in this room. One was a lady dressed in black,
+with white hair, although she still appeared to be young, but her whole
+appearance betrayed profound sorrow. Seated under a lighted lamp she
+worked mechanically at some embroidery, which at times fell from her
+thin fingers, while her eyes, fixed on vacancy, seemed to be thinking of
+some overwhelming calamity.
+
+On the other side of the table sat a fine-looking old gentleman, who
+took the newspaper abstractedly which his servant brought in.
+
+It was Mr. Durrien, the honorary consul-general of the geographical
+society, the same person who had been at Brest when the "Alaska" reached
+that place.
+
+This was doubtless the reason why Erik's name attracted his notice, but
+while reading the article carefully which contained the biography for the
+young Swedish navigator, he was startled. Then he read it again
+carefully, and little by little an intense pallor spread over his face,
+which was always pale. His hands trembled nervously, and his uneasiness
+became so evident that his companion noticed it.
+
+"Father, are you suffering?" she asked with solicitude.
+
+"I believe it is too warm here--I will go to the library and get some
+fresh air. It is nothing; it will pass off," answered Mr. Durrien,
+rising and walking into the adjoining room.
+
+As if by accident, he carried the paper with him.
+
+If his daughter could have read his thoughts, she would have known that
+amidst the tumults of hopes and fears that so agitated him was also a
+determination not to let her eyes rest upon that paper.
+
+A moment later she thought of following him into the library, but she
+imagined that he wished to be alone, and discreetly yielded to his
+desire. Besides she was soon reassured by hearing him moving about and
+opening and closing the window.
+
+At the end of an hour, she decided to look in, and see what Mr. Durrien
+was doing. She found that he was seated before his desk writing a
+letter. But she did not see that us he wrote his eyes filled with tears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+A LETTER FROM PARIS.
+
+
+Since his return to Stockholm, Erik had received every day from all
+parts of Europe a voluminous correspondence. Some learned society wished
+for information on some point, or wrote to congratulate him; foreign
+governments wished to bestow upon him some honor or recompense;
+ship-owners, or traders, solicited some favor which would serve their
+interests.
+
+Therefore he was not surprised when he received one morning two letters
+bearing the Paris postmark.
+
+The first that he opened was an invitation from the Geographical Society
+of France, asking him and his companions to come and receive a handsome
+medal, which had been voted in a solemn conclave "to the navigators of
+the first circumpolar periplus of the arctic seas."
+
+The second envelope made Erik start, he looked at it. On the box which
+closed it was a medallion upon which the letters "E.D." were engraved,
+surrounded by the motto "Semper idem."
+
+These initials and devices were also stamped in the corner of the letter
+enclosed in the envelope, which was that from Mr. Durrien.
+
+The letter read as follows:
+
+     "My dear child,--Let me call you this in any case. I have just read
+     in a French newspaper a biography translated from the Swedish
+     language, which has overcome me more than I can tell you. It was
+     your account of yourself. You state that you were picked up at sea
+     about twenty-two years ago by a Norwegian fisherman in the
+     neighborhood of Bergen; that you were tied to a buoy, bearing the
+     name of 'Cynthia;' that the especial motive of your arctic voyage
+     was to find a survivor of the vessel of that name--ship wrecked in
+     October, 1858; and then you state that you have returned from the
+     voyage without having been able to gain any information about the
+     matter.
+
+     "If all this is true (oh, what would I not give if it is true!), I
+     ask you not to lose a moment in running to the telegraph office and
+     letting me know it. In that case, my child, you can understand my
+     impatience, my anxiety, and my joy. In that case you are my
+     grandson, for whom I have mourned so many years, whom I believed
+     lost to me forever, as did also my daughter, my poor daughter, who,
+     broken-hearted at the tragedy of the 'Cynthia,' still mourns every
+     day for her only child--the joy and consolation at first of her
+     widowhood, but afterward the cause of her despair.
+
+     "But we shall see you again alive, covered with glory. Such
+     happiness is too great, too wonderful. I dare not believe it until
+     a word from you authorizes me to do so. But now it seems so
+     probable, the details and dates agree so perfectly, your
+     countenance and manners recall so vividly those of my unfortunate
+     son-in-law. Upon the only occasion when chance led me into your
+     society, I felt myself mysteriously drawn toward you by a deep and
+     sudden sympathy. It seems impossible that there should be no reason
+     for this.
+
+     "One word, telegraph me one word. I do not know how to exist until
+     I hear from you. Will it be the response that I wait for so
+     impatiently? Can you bring such happiness to my poor daughter and
+     myself as will cause us to forget our past years of tears and
+     mourning?
+
+     "E. DURRIEN, Honorary Consul-general,
+
+     "104 Rue de Varennes, Paris."
+
+To this letter was added one of explanation, that Erik devoured eagerly.
+It was also in Mr. Durrien's handwriting, and read as follows:
+
+     "I was the French consul at New Orleans when my only daughter,
+     Catherine, married a young Frenchman, Mr. George Durrien, a distant
+     connection, and, like ourselves, of Breton origin. Mr. George
+     Durrien was a mining engineer. He had come to the United States to
+     explore the recently discovered mines of petroleum and intended to
+     remain several years. I received him into my family--he being the
+     son of a dear friend--and when he asked for my daughter's hand, I
+     gave her to him with joy. Shortly after their marriage I was
+     appointed consul to Riga; and my son-in-law being detained by
+     business interests in the United States, I was obliged to leave my
+     daughter. She became a mother, and to her son was given my
+     Christian name, united to that of his father--Emile Henry Georges.
+
+     "Six months afterward my son-in-law was killed by an accident in
+     the mines. As soon as she could settle up his affairs, my poor
+     daughter, only twenty years of age, embarked at New York on the
+     'Cynthia' for Hamburg, to join me by the most direct route.
+
+     "On the 7th of October, 1858, the 'Cynthia' was shipwrecked off the
+     Faroe Islands. The circumstances of the shipwreck were suspicious,
+     and have never been explained.
+
+     "At the moment of the disaster, when the passengers were taking
+     their places one by one in the boat, my little grandson, seven
+     months old--whom his mother had tied to a buoy for safety--slipped
+     or was pushed into the sea, and was carried away by the storm and
+     disappeared. His mother, crazed by this frightful spectacle, tried
+     to throw herself into the sea. She was prevented by main force and
+     placed in a fainting condition in one of the boats, in which were
+     three other persons, and who had alone escaped from the shipwrecked
+     vessel. In forty-nine hours this boat reached one of the Faroe
+     Islands. From there my daughter returned to me after a dangerous
+     illness which lasted seven weeks, thanks to the devoted attentions
+     of the sailor who saved her and who brought her to me. This brave
+     man, John Denman, died in my service in Asia Minor.
+
+     "We had but little hope that the baby had survived the shipwreck. I,
+     however, sought for him among the Faroe and Shetland Islands, and
+     upon the Norwegian coast north of Bergen. The idea of his cradle
+     floating any further seemed impossible, but I did not give up my
+     search for three years; and Noroe must be a very retired spot, or
+     surely some inquiries would have been made there. When I had given
+     up all hope I devoted myself exclusively to my daughter, whose
+     physical and moral health required great attention. I succeeded in
+     being sent to the Orient, and I sought, by traveling and scientific
+     enterprises, to draw off her thoughts from her affliction. She has
+     been my inseparable companion sharing all my labors, but I have
+     never been able to lighten her incurable grief. We returned to
+     France, and we now live in Paris in an old house which I own.
+
+     "Will it be my happiness to receive there my grandson, for whom we
+     have mourned so many years? This hope fills me with too much joy,
+     and I dare not speak of it to my daughter, until I am assured of
+     its truth; for, if it should prove false, the disappointment would
+     be too cruel.
+
+     "To-day is Monday: they tell me at the post-office that by next
+     Saturday I can receive your answer."
+
+Erik had hardly been able to read this, for the tears would obscure his
+sight. He also felt afraid to yield too quickly to the hope which had
+been so suddenly restored to him. He told himself that every detail
+coincided--the dates agreed; all the events down to the most minute
+particulars. He hardly dared to believe, however, that it could be true.
+It was too much happiness to recover in a moment his family, his own
+mother, his country. And such a country--the one that he could have
+chosen above all because she possessed the grandeur, the graces, the
+supreme gifts of humanity--because she had fostered genius, and the
+civilization of antiquity, and the discoveries and inventions of modern
+times.
+
+He was afraid that he was only dreaming. His hopes had been so often
+disappointed. Perhaps the doctor would say something to dispel his
+illusions. Before he did anything he would submit these facts to his
+cooler judgment.
+
+The doctor read the documents attentively which he carried to him, but
+not without exclamations of joy and surprise.
+
+"You need not feel the slightest doubt!" he said, when he had finished.
+"All the details agree perfectly, even those that your correspondent
+omits to mention, the initials on the linen, the device engraved on the
+locket, which are the same as those on the letter. My dear child, you
+have found your family this time. You must telegraph immediately to your
+grandfather!"
+
+"But what shall I tell him?" asked Erik, pale with joy.
+
+"Tell him that to-morrow you will set out by express, to go and embrace
+him and your mother!"
+
+The young captain only took time to press the hands of this excellent
+man, and he ran and jumped into a cab to hasten to the telegraph office.
+
+He left Stockholm that same day, took the railroad to Malmo on the
+north-west coast of Sweden, crossed the strait in twenty minutes,
+reached Copenhagen, took the express train through to Holland and
+Belgium, and at Brussels the train for Paris.
+
+On Saturday, at seven o'clock in the evening, exactly six days after Mr.
+Durrien had posted his letter, he had the joy of waiting for his
+grandson at the depot.
+
+As soon as the train stopped they fell into each other's arms. They had
+thought so much about each other during these last few days that they
+both felt already well acquainted.
+
+"My mother?" asked Erik.
+
+"I have not dared to tell her, much as I was tempted to do so!" answered
+Mr. Durrien.
+
+"And she knows nothing yet?"
+
+"She suspects something, she fears, she hopes. Since your dispatch I
+have done my best to prepare her for the unheard-of joy that awaits her.
+I told her of a track upon which I had been placed by a young Swedish
+officer, the one whom I had met at Brest, and of whom I had often spoken
+to her. She does not know, she hesitates to hope for any good news, but
+this morning at breakfast I could see her watching me, and two or three
+times I felt afraid that she was going to question me. One can not tell,
+something might have happened to you, some other misfortune, some sudden
+mischance. So I did not dine with her to-night, I made an excuse to
+escape from a situation intolerable to me."
+
+Without waiting for his baggage, they departed in the _coup_ that Mr.
+Durrien had brought.
+
+Mme. Durrien, alone in the parlor in Varennes Street, awaited
+impatiently the return of her father. She had had her suspicions
+aroused, and was only waiting until the dinner hour arrived to ask for
+an explanation.
+
+For several days she had been disturbed by his strange behavior, by the
+dispatches which were continually arriving, and by the double meaning
+which she thought she detected beneath all he said. Accustomed to talk
+with him about his lightest thoughts and impressions, she could not
+understand why he should seek to conceal anything from her. Several
+times she had been on the point of demanding a solution of the enigma,
+but she had kept silence, out of respect for the evident wishes of her
+father.
+
+"He is trying to prepare me for some surprise, doubtless," she said to
+herself. "He is sure to tell me if anything pleasant has occurred."
+
+But for the last two or three days, especially that morning, she had
+been impressed with a sort of eagerness which Mr. Durrien displayed in
+all his manner, as well as the happy air with which he regarded her,
+insisting in hearing over and over again from her lips, all the details
+of the disaster of the "Cynthia," which he had avoided speaking of for a
+long time. As she mused over his strange behavior a sort of revelation
+came to her. She felt sure that her father must have received some
+favorable intelligence which had revived the hope of finding her child.
+But without the least idea that he had already done so, she determined
+not to retire that night until she had questioned him closely.
+
+Mme. Durrien had never definitely renounced the idea that her son was
+living. She had never seen him dead before her eyes, and she clung
+mother-like to the hope that he was not altogether lost to her. She said
+that the proofs were insufficient, and she nourished the possibility of
+his sudden return. She might be said to pass her days waiting for him.
+Thousands of women, mothers of soldiers and sailors, pass their lives
+under this touching delusion. Mrs. Durrien had a greater right than they
+had to preserve her faith in his existence. In truth the tragical scene
+enacted twenty-two years ago was always before her eyes. She beheld the
+"Cynthia" filling with water and ready to sink. She saw herself tying
+her infant to a large buoy while the passengers and sailors were rushing
+for the boats. They left her behind, she saw herself imploring,
+beseeching that they would at least take her baby. A man took her
+precious burden, and threw it into one of the boats, a heavy sea dashed
+over it, and to her horror she saw the buoy floating away on the crest
+of the waves. She gave a dispairing cry and tried to jump after him,
+then came unconsciousness. When she awoke she was a prey to despair, to
+fever, to delirium. To this succeeded increasing grief. Yes, the poor
+woman recalled all this. Her whole being had in fact received a shock
+from which she had never recovered. It was now nearly a quarter of a
+century since this had happened, and Mrs. Durrien still wept for her son
+as on the first day. Her maternal heart so full of grief was slowly
+consuming her life. She sometimes pictured to herself her son passing
+through the successive phases of infancy, youth, and manhood. From year
+to year she represented to herself how he would have looked, how he was
+looking, for she obstinately clung to her belief of the possibility of
+his return.
+
+This vain hope nothing had as yet had the power to shake--neither
+travels, nor useless researches, nor the passage of time.
+
+This is why this evening she awaited her father with the firm resolution
+of knowing all that he had to tell.
+
+Mr. Darrien entered. He was followed by a young gentleman, whom he
+presented to her in the following words:
+
+"My daughter, this is Mr. Erik Hersebom, of whom I have often spoken to
+you, and who has just arrived at Paris. The Geographical Society wish to
+bestow upon him a grand medal, and he has done me the honor to accept
+our hospitality."
+
+She had arisen from her arm-chair, and was looking kindly at him.
+Suddenly her eyes dilated, her lips trembled, and she stretched out her
+hands toward him.
+
+"My son! you are my son!" she cried.
+
+Then she advanced a step toward Erik.
+
+"Yes, you are my child," she said. "Your father lives over again in
+you!"
+
+When Erik, bursting into tears, fell on his knees before her, the poor
+woman took his head in her hands, and fainted from joy and happiness as
+she tried to press a kiss on his forehead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+AT VAL-FERAY.
+
+
+A month later at Val-Feray, an old homestead of the family, situated
+half a league from Brest, Erik's adopted family were assembled, together
+with his mother and grandfather. Mrs. Durrien had, with the delicacy of
+feeling habitual to her, desired that the good, simple-hearted beings
+who had saved her son's life should share her profound and inexpressible
+joy. She had insisted that Dame Katrina, and Vanda, Mr. Hersebom, and
+Otto should accompany Doctor Schwaryencrona, Kajsa, Mr. Bredejord, and
+Mr. Malarius, and they held a great festival together.
+
+Amidst the rugged natural scenery of Breton and near the sea, her
+Norwegian guests felt more at their ease than they could have done in
+Varennes Street. They took long walks in the woods together, and told
+each other all they knew about Erik's still somewhat obscure history,
+and little by little many hitherto inexplicable points became clear.
+Their long talks and discussions cast light upon many obscure
+circumstances.
+
+The first question they asked each other was, Who was Tudor Brown? What
+great interest did he have in preventing Patrick O'Donoghan from telling
+who Erik's relations were? The words of that unfortunate man had
+established one fact, viz., that Tudor Brown's real name was Jones, as
+it was the only one that the Irishman had known him by. Now, a Mr. Noah
+Jones had been associated with Erik's father in working a petroleum
+mine, that the young engineer had discovered in Pennsylvania. The simple
+announcement of this fact gave a sinister aspect to many events which
+had so long appeared mysterious: the suspicious wreck of the "Cynthia,"
+the fall of the infant into the sea, perhaps the death of Erik's father.
+A document that Mr. Durrien found among his papers elucidated many of
+these perplexing questions.
+
+"Several months before his marriage," he said to Erik's friends, "my
+son-in-law had discovered, near Harrisburg, a petroleum well. He lacked
+the capital necessary to purchase it, and he saw that he was in danger
+of losing all the advantages which the possession of it would secure to
+him. Chance made him acquainted with Mr. Noah Jones, who represented
+himself as a cattle dealer from the far West. But in reality, as he
+found out afterward, he was a slave-trader.
+
+"This individual agreed to advance the sum necessary to purchase and work
+the petroleum mine, which was called the Vandalia. He made my son-in-law
+sign, in exchange for this assistance, an agreement which was very
+profitable to himself. I was ignorant of the terms of this contract at
+the time of his marriage to my daughter, and according to all
+appearances he thought but little of it. Unusually gifted, and
+understanding chemistry and mechanics, yet he was entirely ignorant of
+business matters, and already had to pay dearly for his inexperience. No
+doubt he had trusted all the arrangements to Noah Jones, according to
+his usual habit. Probably he signed with closed eyes the contract which
+was laid before him. These are the principle articles agreed upon:
+
+     "Art. III. The Vandalia shall remain the sole property of Mr.
+     George Durrien, the discoverer, and Mr. Noah Jones, his silent
+     partner.
+
+     "Art. IV. Mr. Noah Jones will take charge of moneys, and pay out
+     what is necessary for the exploration of the mine, he will also
+     sell the product, take charge of the receipts, and have a
+     settlement with his partner every year, when they will divide the
+     net profits.
+
+     "Art. V. If either of the partners should wish to sell his share,
+     the other would have the first right to purchase it, and he
+     should have three months in which to make arrangements to do so. He
+     might then become sole proprietor by paying the capital and three
+     per cent. on the net revenue, according to what it had been proved
+     to be at the last inventory.
+
+     "Art. VI. Only the children of the two partners could become
+     inheritors of these rights. In case one of the partners should die
+     childless, or his children should not live until they were
+     twenty-one years of age, the entire property to revert to the
+     survivor, to the exclusion of all other heirs of the dead partner.
+
+     "N.B. The last article is on account of the different nationalities
+     of the two partners, and because of the complications that could
+     not fail to arise in case of the death of either of them without
+     issue."
+
+"Such," continued Mr. Durrien, "was the contract which my future
+son-in-law had signed at the time, when he had no thought of marrying,
+and when everybody, except, perhaps, Mr. Noah Jones, was ignorant of
+what immense value the Vandalia mine would become in the course of time.
+They had then hardly commenced operations, and they met with the usual
+discouragements incident to all new undertakings. Perhaps Noah Jones
+hoped that his associate would become disgusted with the whole business
+and retire, leaving him sole proprietor. The marriage of George with my
+daughter, the birth of his son, and the well becoming suddenly
+prodigiously fruitful, must have modified his plans by degrees. He could
+no longer hope to purchase for a trifling sum this splendid property;
+but before it came into the possession of Noah Jones, first George
+himself, and then his only child, must disappear from the world. Two
+years after his marriage and six months after the birth of my grandson,
+George was found dead near one of the wells--asphyxiated, the doctors
+said, by gas. I had left the United States upon my nomination as consul
+to Riga. The business relating to the partnership was left to an
+attorney to settle. Noah Jones behaved very well, and agreed to
+all the arrangements that were made for the benefit of my daughter. He
+agreed to continue the work, and pay every six months into the Central
+Bank of New York that part of the net profits which belonged to the infant.
+Alas! he never made the first payment. My daughter took passage in the
+'Cynthia' in order to join me. The 'Cynthia' was lost with her crew and
+freight under such suspicious circumstances that the insurance company
+refused to pay; and in this shipwreck the sole heir of my son-in-law
+disappeared.
+
+"Noah Jones remained the sole proprietor of the Vandalia, which has
+yielded him at the least since that event an annual income of one
+hundred and eighty thousand dollars a year."
+
+"Did you never suspect that he had had some hand in these successive
+catastrophies?" asked Mr. Bredejord.
+
+"I have certainly suspected him; it was only too natural. Such an
+accumulation of misfortunes, and all tending to his private enrichment,
+seemed to point him out as the author only too clearly. But how could I
+prove my suspicions, particularly in a court of justice? They were only
+vague, and I knew too well that they would have but little weight in an
+international contest. And then, besides I had my daughter to console,
+or at least to try and draw away her thoughts from this tragedy, and a
+lawsuit would only have revived her grief. Briefly I resigned myself to
+silence. Did I do wrong? Is it to be regretted?"
+
+"I think not, for I feel convinced that it would have produced no
+results. You see how difficult it is even today, after we have related
+all the facts in our possession, to arrive at any definite conclusion!"
+
+"But how can you explain the part which Patrick O'Donoghan has taken in
+this matter?" asked Dr. Schwaryencrona.
+
+"On this point, as on many others, we are reduced to conjectures, but it
+seems to me that there is one which is plausible enough. This O'Donoghan
+was cabin-boy on board of the 'Cynthia,' in the personal service of the
+captain, and consequently in constant communication with the first-class
+passengers, who always eat at the captain's table. He therefore
+certainly knew the name of my daughter, and her French origin, and he
+could easily have found her again.
+
+"Had he been commissioned by Noah Jones to perform some dark mission?
+Had he a hand in causing the shipwreck of the 'Cynthia,' or simply in
+pushing the infant into the sea? this they could never know for a
+certainty since he was dead. One thing was evident, he was aware how
+important the knowledge of this fact was for Noah Jones. But did this
+lazy drunken man know that the infant was living? Had he any hand in
+saving it? Had he rescued it from the sea to leave it floating near
+Noroe?
+
+"This was a doubtful point. In any case he must have assured Noah Jones
+that the infant had survived. He was doubtless proud of knowing the
+country which had received him, and he had probably taken precautions to
+know all about the child, so that if any misfortune happened to
+him--O'Donoghan--Noah Jones would be obliged to pay him well for his
+silence. He was doubtless the person from whom he received money every
+time he landed in New York."
+
+"All this appears to me to be very probable," said Mr. Bredejord, "and I
+think that subsequent events confirm it. The first advertisements of
+Doctor Schwaryencrona disturbed Noah Jones, and he believed it to be an
+imperative necessity to get rid of Patrick O'Donoghan, but he was
+obliged to act prudently. He therefore contented himself with
+frightening the Irishman, by making him believe that he would be brought
+before a criminal court. The result of this we know from Mr. and Mrs.
+Bowles, of the Red Anchor, who told us of the haste with which Patrick
+O'Donoghan had taken flight. He evidently believed that he was in danger
+of being arrested, or he would not have gone so far, to live among the
+Samoyedes, and under an assumed name, which Noah Jones had doubtless
+advised him to do.
+
+"But the announcement in the newspapers about Patrick O'Donoghan must
+have been a severe blow to him. He had made a journey to Stockholm
+expressly to assure us that the Irishman was dead, and doubtless to
+discover if possible how far we had pushed our inquiries. The
+publication of the correspondence of the 'Vega, and the departure of the
+'Alaska,' must have made Noah Jones, or Tudor Brown, as he called
+himself, feel that he was in imminent peril, for his confidence in
+Patrick O'Donoghan could be only very limited, and he would have
+revealed his secret to any one who would have assured him that he would
+not be punished. Happily as affairs have turned out, we may congratulate
+ourselves upon having escaped pretty well."
+
+"Who knows?" said the doctor, "perhaps all the danger we have
+encountered has only helped to bring us to the knowledge of the truth.
+But for running on the rocks of the Basse-Froide, we would probably have
+pursued the route through the Suez Canal, and then we should have
+reached Behring's Strait too late to meet the 'Vega.' It is at least
+doubtful whether we would have undertaken the voyage to the Island of
+Ljakow, and more doubtful still whether we would have been able to
+extract any information from Patrick O'Donoghan if we had met him in
+company with Tudor Brown.
+
+"So, although our entire voyage has been marked by tragical events, it
+is due to the fact of our having accomplished the periplus in the
+'Alaska, and the consequent celebrity which has been the result for
+Erik, that he has at last found his family."
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Durrien, laying her hand proudly on the head of her
+son, "it is his glory which has restored him to me."
+
+And immediately she added:
+
+"It was a crime that deprived me of you, but your own goodness which has
+restored you to me!"
+
+"And the rascality of Noah Jones has resulted in making our Erik one of
+the richest men in America," cried Mr. Bredejord.
+
+Every one looked at him with surprise.
+
+"Doubtless," answered the eminent lawyer. "Erik is his father's heir,
+and has a share in the income, derived from the Vandalia mine. Has he
+not been unjustly deprived of this for the last twenty-two years?
+
+"We have only to give proofs of his identity, and we have plenty of
+witnesses, Mr. Hersebom, Dame Katrina and Mr. Malarius, besides
+ourselves. If Noah Jones has left any children, they are responsible for
+the enormous arrears which will probably consume all their share of the
+capital stock.
+
+"If the rascal has left no children, by the terms of the contract which
+Mr. Durrien has just read, Erik is the sole inheritor of the entire
+property; and according to all accounts he ought to have in Pennsylvania
+an income of one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand dollars a
+year!"
+
+"Ah, ah," said the doctor, laughing. "Behold the little fisherman of
+Noroe become an eligible _parti!_ Laureate of the Geographical Society,
+author of the first circumpolar periplus, and afflicted with the modest
+income of two hundred thousand dollars. There are not many such husbands
+to be met with in Stockholm. What do you say Kajsa?"
+
+The young girl blushed painfully at being thus addressed, but her uncle
+had no suspicion that he had made a cruel speech.
+
+Kajsa had felt that she had not acted wisely in treating Erik as she had
+done, and she resolved for the future to show him more attention.
+
+But it was a singular fact that Erik no longer cared for her, since he
+felt himself elevated above her unjust disdain. Perhaps it was absence,
+or the lonely hours which he had spent walking the deck at night, which
+had revealed to him the poverty of Kajsa's heart; or it might be the
+satisfaction he felt that she could no longer regard him as "a waif"; he
+only treated her now with the most perfect courtesy, to which she was
+entitled as a young lady and Dr. Schwaryencrona's niece.
+
+All his preference now was for Vanda, who indeed grew every day more and
+more charming, and was losing all her little village awkwardness under
+the roof of an amiable and cultivated lady. Her exquisite goodness, her
+native grace, and perfect simplicity, made her beloved by all who
+approached her. She had not been eight days at Val-Fray, when Mrs.
+Durrien declared positively that it would be impossible for her ever to
+part with her.
+
+Erik undertook to arrange with Mr. Hersebom and Dame Katrina that they
+should leave Vanda behind them, with the express condition that he would
+bring her himself every year to see them. He had tried to keep all his
+adopted family with him, even offering to transport from Noroe the house
+with all its furniture where he had passed his infancy. But this project
+of emigration was generally regarded as impracticable. Mr. Hersebom and
+Katrina were too old to change their habits. They would not have been
+perfectly happy in a country of whose language and habits they were
+ignorant. He was obliged, therefore, to permit them to depart, but not
+before making such provision for them as would enable them to spend the
+remainder of their days in ease and comfort, which, notwithstanding
+their honest, laborious lives, they had been unable to accomplish.
+
+Erik would have liked to have kept Otto at least, but he preferred his
+fiord, and thought that there was no life preferable to that of a
+fisherman. It must also be confessed that the golden-haired and
+blue-eyed daughter of the overseer of the oil-works had something to do
+with the attractions which Noroe had for him. At least we must conclude
+so, since it was soon made known that he expected to marry her at the
+next "Yule," or Christmas.
+
+Mr. Malarius counted upon educating their children as he had educated
+Erik and Vanda. He modestly resumed his position in the village school,
+after sharing in the honor of the decorations bestowed by the
+Geographical Society of France upon the captain of the "Alaska." He was
+also busily occupied in correcting the proofs of his magnificent work on
+the "Flora of the Arctic Regions." As for Dr. Schwaryencrona, he has not
+quite finished his "Treatise on Iconography," which will transmit his
+name to posterity.
+
+The latest legal business of Mr. Bredejord has been to establish Erik's
+claim as sole proprietor of the Vandalia mine. He gained his case in the
+first instance, and also on appeal, which was no small success.
+
+Erik took advantage of this, and of the enormous fortune thus accruing
+to him, to purchase the "Alaska," which he converted into a pleasure
+yacht. He uses it every year to go to Noroe in company with Mme. Durrien
+and Vanda, to visit his adopted family. Although his civil rights have
+been accorded to him, and his legal name is Emile Durrien, he has added
+that of Hersebom, and among his relatives he is still called only Erik.
+
+The secret desire of his mother is to see him some day married to Vanda,
+whom she already loves as a daughter, and, as Erik evidently shares this
+desire, we may suppose that it will be realized one of these days.
+
+Kajsa still remains single, with the knowledge that she has lost her
+opportunity.
+
+Dr. Schwaryencrona, Mr. Bredejord, and Professor Hochstedt still play
+innumerable games of whist.
+
+One evening the doctor, having played worse than usual, Mr. Bredejord,
+as he tapped his snuff-box, had the pleasure of recalling to his mind a
+circumstance which had too long been forgotten.
+
+"When do you intend to send me your Pliny?" he asked, with a wicked
+gleam in his eye. "Certainly you can no longer think that Erik is of
+Irish origin?"
+
+The doctor was thunder-struck for a moment by this speech, but he soon
+recovered himself.
+
+"Bah! an ex-president of the French Republic was a direct descendant of
+one of the Irish kings," he said, seriously. "I should not be at all
+surprised if Mr. Durrien belongs to the same family!"
+
+"Evidently," replied Mr. Bredejord. "In fact it is so extremely probable
+that out of sport I will send you my Quintilian!"
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Waif of the "Cynthia"
+by Andre Laurie and Jules Verne
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WAIF OF THE "CYNTHIA" ***
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