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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
"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!"
"Believe me, my dear Malarius, your sincere and devoted friend, 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 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.
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