TICKET NO. "9672"

by

JULES VERNE

Translated from the French by Laura E. Kendall

CHAPTER I. 

"What time is it?" inquired Dame Hansen, shaking the ashes from herpipe, the last curling rings from which were slowly disappearingbetween the stained rafters overhead. 

"Eight o'clock, mother, " replied Hulda. 

"It isn't likely that any travelers will come to-night. The weather istoo stormy. "

"I agree with you. At all events, the rooms are in readiness, and ifany one comes, I shall be sure to hear them. "

"Has your brother returned?"

"Not yet. "

"Didn't he say he would be back to-night?"

"No, mother. Joel went to take a traveler to Lake Tinn, and as hedidn't start until very late, I do not think he can get back to Dalbefore to-morrow. "

"Then he will spend the night at Moel, probably. "

"Yes; unless he should take it into his head to go on to Bamble to seeFarmer Helmboe. "

"And his daughter Siegfrid. "

"Yes. Siegfrid, my best friend, whom I love like a sister!" repliedthe young girl, smiling. 

"All, well, Hulda, shut up the house, and let's go to bed. "

"You are not ill, are you, mother?"

"No; but I want to be up bright and early to-morrow morning. I must goto Moel. "

"What for?"

"Why, we must be laying in our stock of provisions for the comingsummer, and--"

"And I suppose the agent from Christiania has come down with his wagonof wines and provisions. "

"Yes; Lengling, the foreman at the saw-mill, met him this afternoon, and informed me of the fact as he passed. We have very little left inthe way of ham and smoked salmon, and I don't want to run any risk ofbeing caught with an empty larder. Tourists are likely to begin theirexcursions to the Telemark almost any day now; especially, if theweather should become settled, and our establishment must be in acondition to receive them. Do you realize that this is the fifteenthof April?"

"The fifteenth of April!" repeated the young girl, thoughtfully. 

"Yes, so to-morrow I must attend to these matters, " continued DameHansen. "I can make all my purchases in two hours, and I will returnwith Joel in the kariol. "

"In case you should meet the postman, don't forget to ask him if thereis a letter for us--"

"And especially for you. That is quite likely, for it is a month sinceyou heard from Ole. "

"Yes, a month--a whole month. "

"Still, you should not worry, child. The delay is not at allsurprising. Besides, if the Moel postman has nothing for you, thatwhich didn't come by the way of Christiania may come by the way ofBergen, may it not?"

"Yes, mother, " replied Hulda. "But how can I help worrying, when Ithink how far it is from here to the Newfoundland fishing banks. Thewhole broad Atlantic to cross, while the weather continues so bad. Itis almost a year since my poor Ole left me, and who can say when weshall see him again in Dal?"

"And whether we shall be here when he returns, " sighed Dame Hansen, but so softly that her daughter did not hear the words. 

Hulda went to close the front door of the inn which stood on theVesfjorddal road; but she did not take the trouble to turn the key inthe lock. In hospitable Norway, such precautions are unnecessary. Itis customary for travelers to enter these country inns either bynight or by day without calling any one to open the door; and eventhe loneliest habitations are safe from the depredations of thievesor assassins, for no criminal attempts against life or property everdisturb the peace of this primitive land. 

The mother and daughter occupied two front rooms on the second storyof the inn--two neat and airy, though plainly furnished rooms. Abovethem, directly under the sloping roof, was Joel's chamber, lighted bya window incased in a tastefully carved frame-work of pine. 

From this window, the eye, after roaming over the grand mountainhorizon, returned with delight to the narrow valley through whichflowed the Maan, which is half river, half torrent. 

A wooden staircase, with heavy balusters and highly polished steps, led from the lower hall to the floors above, and nothing could be moreneat and attractive than the whole aspect of this establishment, inwhich the travelers found a comfort that is rare in Norwegian inns. 

Hulda and her mother were in the habit of retiring early when theywere alone, and Dame Hansen had already lighted her candle, and wason her way upstairs, when a loud knocking at the door made them bothstart. 

"Dame Hansen! Dame Hansen!" cried a voice. 

Dame Hansen paused on the stairs. 

"Who can have come so late?" she exclaimed. 

"Can it be that Joel has met with an accident?" returned Hulda, quickly. 

And she hastened toward the door. 

She found a lad there--one of the young rascals known as _skydskarls_, that make a living by clinging to the back of kariols, and taking thehorse back when the journey is ended. 

"What do you want here at this hour?" asked Hulda. 

"First of all to bid you good-evening, " replied the boy, mischievously. 

"Is that all?"

"No; that isn't all; but a boy oughtn't to forget his manners, oughthe?"

"You are right. But who sent you?"

"Your brother Joel. "

"And what for?" asked Dame Hansen, advancing to the door with theslow and measured tread that is a characteristic of the inhabitants ofNorway. There is quicksilver in the veins of their soil, but little ornone in the veins of their bodies. 

The reply had evidently caused the mother some anxiety, however, forshe added hastily:

"Has anything happened to my son?"

"No, but the Christiania postman gave him a letter, and--"

"A letter from Drammen?" repeated Dame Hansen, in a lower tone. 

"I don't know about that, " replied the youth. "All I do know is, thatJoel can't get home before to-morrow, and he sent me here to deliverthe letter. "

"It is important then?"

"I should judge so. "

"Hand it here, " said Dame Hansen, in a tone that betrayed keenanxiety. 

"Here it is, clean and not wrinkled in the least. But the letter isnot for you. "

Dame Hansen seemed to breathe more freely. 

"Then who is it for?" she asked. 

"For your daughter. "

"For me!" cried Hulda. "It is a letter from Ole! I am sure it is--aletter that came by way of Christiania. My brother did not want me tobe kept waiting. "

Hulda had snatched the letter from the boy's hand, and now takingit to the table upon which her mother had deposited the candle, sheexamined the address. 

"Yes, it is from him. It is certainly from him! Heaven grant that hewrites to announce the speedy return of the 'Viking'!"

"Won't you come in?" said Dame Hansen, turning to the boy. 

"Only for a minute. I must get back home to-night, for I am to go witha kariol to-morrow morning. "

"Very well. Tell Joel, from me, that I expect to go to Moel to-morrow, and that he must wait for me there. "

"To-morrow evening?"

"No; to-morrow morning, and he must not leave Moel until he sees me. We will return to Dal together. "

"Very well, Dame Hansen. "

"Won't you take a drop of _brandevin_?"

"With pleasure. "

The boy approached the table, and Dame Hansen handed him a glass ofthe beverage which is such a powerful protection against the eveningfogs. It is needless to say that he drained the glass, then, "_God-aften!_" he said. 

"_God-aften_, my son!"

This is the Norwegian good-night. It was simply spoken, without evenan inclination of the head, and the lad instantly departed, withoutseeming to mind in the least the long walk that he had before him. Thesound of his footsteps soon died away beneath the trees that borderthe swiftly flowing river. 

Hulda still stood gazing at Ole's letter. Think of it! This frailenvelope must have crossed the broad ocean to reach her, the broadocean in which the rivers of western Norway lose themselves. Sheexamined the different postmarks. Though mailed on the 15th of March, the missive had not reached Dal until the 15th of April. Why! a monthhad already elapsed since the letter was written! How many thingsmight have happened in a month on the shores of Newfoundland! Was itnot still winter, the dangerous season of equinoxes? Are not thesefishing banks the most dangerous in the world, swept by terrible galesfrom the North Pole? A perilous and arduous vocation was this businessof fishing which Ole followed! And if he followed it was it not thatshe, his betrothed, whom he was to marry on his return, might reap thebenefits?

Poor Ole! What did he say in this letter? Doubtless that he lovedHulda as faithfully and truly as Hulda loved him, that they wereunited in thought, in spite of the distance that separated them, andthat he longed for the day of his return to Dal. 

Yes, he said all this, Hulda was sure of it. But perhaps he might addthat the day of his return was near at hand--that the fishing cruisewhich had enticed the inhabitants of Bergen so far from their nativeland, was nearly at an end. Perhaps Ole would tell her that the"Viking" had finished taking aboard her cargo, that she was aboutto sail, and that the last days of April would not pass without ablissful meeting in the pleasant home at Vesfjorddal. Perhaps, too, hewould assure her, at last, that she might safely appoint the day forthe pastor to come to Moel to unite them in the little chapel whosesteeple rose from a small grove not a hundred yards from Dame Hansen'sinn. 

To learn all this, it might only be necessary to break the seal, drawout Ole's letter, and read it, through the tears of joy or sorrow thatits contents would be sure to bring to Hulda's eyes, and doubtlessmore than one impatient girl of the south, or even of Denmark orHolland, would already have known all! But Hulda was in a sort of adream, and dreams terminate only when God chooses to end them, and howoften one regrets them, so bitter is the reality. 

"Is it really a letter from Ole that your brother has sent you, mydaughter?" inquired Dame Hansen. 

"Yes; I recognize the handwriting. "

"Well, are you going to wait until to-morrow to read it?"

Hulda took one more look at the envelope, then, after slowly breakingthe seal, she drew out the carefully written letter, which read asfollows:

 "Saint-Pierre-Miquelon, March 17th, 1862. 

 "My Dearest Hulda, --You will hear, with pleasure, that our fishing venture has prospered, and that it will be concluded in a few days. Yes; we are nearing the end of the season, and after a year's absence how glad I shall be to return to Dal and find myself in the midst of the only friends I have in the world--yours and mine. 

 "My share in the profits of the expedition amounts to quite a handsome sum, which will start us in housekeeping. Messrs. Help Bros. , the owners of the ship, have been informed that the 'Viking' will probably return by the 15th or 20th of May; so you may expect to see me at that time; that is to say, in a few weeks at the very longest. 

 "My dear Hulda, I trust to find you looking even prettier than at my departure, and in the best of health, you and your mother as well, also that hardy, brave comrade, my cousin Joel, your brother, who asks nothing better than to become mine. 

 "On receipt of this, give my very best respects to Dame Hansen--I can see her now, sitting in her wooden arm-chair by the old stove in the big hall--and tell her I love her with a twofold love, for she is my aunt as well as your mother. 

 "Above all, don't take the trouble to come to Bergen to meet me, for it is quite possible that the 'Viking' will arrive at an earlier date than I have mentioned. However that may be, my dear Hulda can count upon seeing me at Dal twenty-four hours after we land. Don't be too much surprised if I should arrive considerably ahead of time. 

 "We have had a pretty rough time of it, this past winter, the weather having been more severe than any our fishermen have ever encountered; but fortunately fish have been plenty. The 'Viking' brings back nearly five thousand quintals, deliverable at Bergen, and already sold by the efforts of Help Bros. And last, but not least, we have succeeded in selling at a handsome profit, and I, who have a share in the venture, will realize something quite handsome from it. 

 "Besides, even if I should not bring a small competence home with me, I have an idea, or rather, I have a presentiment that it is awaiting me on my return. Yes; comparative wealth, to say nothing of happiness! In what way? That is my secret, my dearest Hulda, and you will forgive me for having a secret from you! It is the only one! Besides, I will tell you all about it. When? Well, as soon as an opportunity offers--before our marriage, if it should be delayed by some unforeseen misfortune--afterward, if I return at the appointed time, and you become my wife within a week after my arrival, as I trust you will. 

 "A hundred fond kisses, my darling Hulda. Kiss Dame Hansen, and Joel, too, for me. In fancy, I imprint another kiss upon your brow, around which the shining crown of the brides of the Telemark will cast a saint-like halo. Once more, farewell, dearest Hulda, farewell!

 "Your devoted lover, "OLE KAMP. "

CHAPTER II. 

Dal is a modest hamlet consisting of but a few houses; some oneither side of a road that is little more than a bridle-path, othersscattered over the surrounding hills. But they all face the narrowvalley of Vesfjorddal, with their backs to the line of hills to thenorth, at the base of which flows the Maan. 

A little church erected in 1855, whose chancel is pierced by twonarrow stained-glass windows, lifts its square belfry from out a leafygrove hard by. Here and there rustic bridges cross the rivulets thatdance merrily along toward the river. In the distance are two or threeprimitive saw-mills, run by water-power, with a wheel to move thesaw, as well as a wheel to move the beam or the tree; and seen from alittle distance, the chapel, saw-mills, houses, and cabins, all seemto be enveloped in a soft olive haze that emanates from the dark-greenfirs and the paler birches which either singly or in groups extendfrom the winding banks of the Maan to the crests of the loftymountains. 

Such is the fresh and laughing hamlet of Dal, with its picturesquedwellings, painted, some of them, in delicate green or pale pinktints, others in such glaring colors as bright yellow and blood-red. The roofs of birch bark, covered with turf, which is mown in theautumn, are crowned with natural flowers. All this is indescribablycharming, and eminently characteristic of the most picturesque countryin the world. In short, Dal is in the Telemark, the Telemark is inNorway, and Norway is in Switzerland, with thousands of fiords thatpermit the sea to kiss the feet of its mountains. 

The Telemark composes the broad portion of the immense horn thatNorway forms between Bergen and Christiania. 

This dependency of the prefecture of Batsberg, has the mountains andglaciers of Switzerland, but it is not Switzerland. It has giganticwater-falls like North America, but it is not America. The landscapeis adorned with picturesque cottages, and processions of inhabitants, clad in costumes of a former age, like Holland, but it is not Holland. The Telemark is far better than any or all of these; it is theTelemark, noted above all countries in the world for the beauty ofits scenery. The writer has had the pleasure of visiting it. He hasexplored it thoroughly, in a kariol with relays of post-horses--whenhe could get them--and he brought back with him such a vividrecollection of its manifold charms that he would be glad to conveysome idea of it to the reader of this simple narrative. 

At the date of this story, 1862, Norway was not yet traversed by therailroad that now enables one to go from Stockholm to Drontheim, byway of Christiania. Now, an extensive network of iron rails extendsentirely across these two Scandinavian countries, which are so averseto a united existence. But imprisoned in a railroad-carriage, thetraveler, though he makes much more rapid progress than in a kariol, misses all the originality that formerly pervaded the routes oftravel. He misses the journey through Southern Sweden on the curiousGotha Canal, in which the steamboats, by rising from lock to lock, manage to reach an elevation of three hundred feet. Nor does he havean opportunity to visit the falls of Trolletann, nor Drammen, norKongsberg, nor any of the beauties of the Telemark. 

In those days the railroad existed only upon paper. Twenty years wereto elapse before one could traverse the Scandinavian kingdom fromone shore to the other in forty hours, and visit the North Cape onexcursion tickets to Spitzberg. 

In those days Dal was, and may it long remain, the central pointfor foreign or native tourists, these last being for the most partstudents from Christiania. From Dal they could wander over the entireTelemark and Hardanger region, explore the valley of Vesfjorddalbetween Lakes Mjos and Tinn, and visit the wonderful cataracts of theRjukan Tun. The hamlet boasts of but one inn, but that is certainlythe most attractive and comfortable imaginable, and one of themost important also, for it can offer four bed-chambers for theaccommodation of its guests. In a word, it is Dame Hansen's inn. 

A few benches surround the base of its pink walls, which are separatedfrom the ground by a substantial granite foundation. The sprucerafters and weather-boarding have acquired such hardness and toughnesswith age that the sharpest hatchet can make little or no impressionupon them. Between the roughly hewn rafters, which are placedhorizontally one above the other, a mixture of clay and turf formsa stanch roof, through which the hardest winter rains can not forcetheir way. 

Upstairs, in the bedrooms, the ceilings are painted in dark red orblack tints to contrast with the more cheerful and delicate hues ofthe wood-work. 

In one corner of the large hall stands a huge cylinder stove, thepipe of which rises nearly to the ceiling, before it disappears in thekitchen chimney. In another corner stands a tall clock which emitsa sonorous tick-tack, as its carved hands travel slowly around itsenameled face. Here is a secretary, black with age, side by sidewith a massive iron tripod. Upon the mantel is an immense terra-cottacandlestick which can be transformed into a three-branched candelabrumby turning it upside down. The handsomest furniture in the houseadorns this spacious hall--the birch-root table, with its spreadingfeet, the big chest with its richly wrought brass handles, in whichthe Sunday and holiday clothing is kept, the tall arm-chair, hardand uncomfortable as a church-pew, the painted wooden chairs, andthe spinning-wheel striped with green, to contrast with the scarletpetticoat of the spinner. 

Yonder stands the pot in which the butter is kept, and the paddle withwhich it is worked, and here is the tobacco-box, and the grater ofelaborately carved bone. 

And, finally, over the door which opens into the kitchen is a largedresser, with long rows of brass and copper cooking-utensils andbright-colored dishes, the little grindstone for sharpening knives, half-buried in its varnished case, and the egg-dish, old enough toserve as a chalice. 

And how wonderful and amusing are the walls, hung with linentapestries representing scenes from the Bible, and brilliant with allthe gorgeous coloring of the pictures of Epinal. 

As for the guests' rooms, though they are less pretentious, they areno less comfortable, with their spotless neatness, their curtains ofhanging-vines that droop from the turf-covered roof, their huge beds, sheeted with snowy and fragrant linen, and their hangings with versesfrom the Old Testament, embroidered in yellow upon a red ground. 

Nor must we forget that the floor of the main hall, and the floors ofall the rooms, both upstairs and down, are strewn with little twigsof birch, pine, and juniper, whose leaves fill the house with theirhealthful and exhilarating odor. 

Can one imagine a more charming _posada_ in Italy, or a more seductive_fonda_ in Spain? No. And the crowd of English tourists have not yetraised the scale of prices as in Switzerland--at least, they had notat the time of which I write. In Dal, the current coin is not thepound sterling, the sovereign of which the travelers' purse issoon emptied. It is a silver coin, worth about five francs, and itssubdivisions are the mark, equal in value to about a franc, and theskilling, which must not be confounded with the English shilling, asit is only equivalent to a French _sou_. 

Nor will the tourist have any opportunity to use or abuse thepretentious bank-note in the Telemark. One-mark notes are white;five-mark notes are blue; ten-mark notes are yellow; fifty-mark notes, green; one hundred mark notes, red. Two more, and we should have allthe colors of the rainbow. 

Besides--and this is a point of very considerable importance--thefood one obtains at the Dal inn is excellent; a very unusual thingat houses of public entertainment in this locality, for the Telemarkdeserves only too well its surname of the Buttermilk Country. AtTiness, Listhus, Tinoset, and many other places, no bread is to behad, or if there be, it is of such poor quality as to be uneatable. One finds there only an oaten cake, known as _flat brod_, dry, black, and hard as pasteboard, or a coarse loaf composed of a mixture ofbirch-bark, lichens, and chopped straw. Eggs are a luxury, and a moststale and unprofitable one; but there is any quantity of poor beer tobe had, a profusion of buttermilk, either sweet or sour, and sometimesa little coffee, so thick and muddy that it is much more likedistilled soot than the products of Mocha or Rio Nunez. 

In Dame Hansen's establishment, on the contrary, cellar and larderwere alike well-stored. What more could the most exacting touristask than salmon, either salt or smoked--fresh salmon that have nevertasted tainted waters, fish from the pure streams of the Telemark, fowls, neither too fat nor too lean, eggs in every style, crispoaten and barley cakes, fruits, more especially strawberries, bread--unleavened bread, it is here, but of the very bestquality--beer, and some old bottles of that Saint Julien that havespread the fame of French vineyards even to this distant land?

And this being the case, it is not strange that the inn at Dal is welland favorably known in all the countries of Northern Europe. 

One can see this, too, by glancing over the register in which manytravelers have not only recorded their names, but paid glowingtributes to Dame Hansen's merits as an inn-keeper. The names areprincipally those of Swedes and Norwegians from every part ofScandinavia; but the English make a very respectable showing; and oneof them, who had waited at least an hour for the summit of Gousta toemerge from the morning mist that enveloped it, wrote upon one of thepages:

 "Patientia omnia vincit?"

CHAPTER III. 

Without being very deeply versed in ethnography, one may be stronglyinclined to believe, in common with many _savants_, that a closerelationship exists between the leading families of the Englisharistocracy and the oldest families of Scandinavia. Numerous proofsof this fact, indeed, are to be found in the ancestral names whichare identical in both countries. There is no aristocracy in Norway, however; still, though the democracy everywhere rules, that does notprevent it from being aristocratic to the highest degree. All areequals upon an exalted plane instead of a low one. Even in thehumblest hut may be found a genealogical tree which has notdegenerated in the least because it has sprung up anew in humble soil;and the walls are adorned with the proud blazons of the feudal lordsfrom whom these plain peasants are descended. 

So it was with the Hansens of Dal, who were unquestionably related, though rather remotely, to the English peers created after Rollo'sinvasion of Normandy, and though rank and wealth had both departedthey had at least preserved the old pride, or rather dignity, whichbecomes all social ranks. 

It was a matter of very little consequence, however. Whether he hadancestors of lofty lineage or not, Harald Hansen was simply a villageinn-keeper. The house had come down to him from his father and fromhis grandfather, who were widely known and respected, and afterhis death his widow continued the business in a way that eliciteduniversal commendation. 

Whether or not Harald had made a fortune in the business, no onewas able to say; but he had been able to rear his son Joel and hisdaughter Hulda in comfort; and Ole Kamp, a son of his wife's sister, had also been brought up like one of his own children. But for hisuncle Harald, this orphan child would doubtless have been one of thosepoor creatures who come into the world only to leave it; and OleKamp evinced a truly filial devotion toward his parents by adoption. Nothing would ever sever the tie that bound him to the Hansen family, to which his marriage with Hulda was about to bind him still moreclosely. 

Harald Hansen had died about eighteen months before, leaving hiswife, in addition to the inn, a small farm on the mountain, a pieceof property which yielded very meager returns, if any. This wasespecially true of late, for the seasons had been remarkablyunpropitious, and agriculture of every kind had suffered greatly, even the pastures. There had been many of those "iron nights, " as theNorwegian peasants call them--nights of north-easterly gales and icethat kill the corn down to the very root--and that meant ruin to thefarmers of the Telemark and the Hardanger. 

Still, whatever Dame Hansen might think of the situation of affairs, she had never said a word to any living soul, not even to herchildren. Naturally cold and reserved, she was very uncommunicative--afact that pained Hulda and Joel not a little. But with that respectfor the head of the family innate in Northern lands, they made noattempt to break down a reserve which was eminently distasteful tothem. Besides, Dame Hansen never asked aid or counsel, being firmlyconvinced of the infallibility of her own judgment, for she was a trueNorwegian in that respect. 

Dame Hansen was now about fifty years old. Advancing age had not bowedher tall form, though it had whitened her hair; nor had it dimmed thebrightness of her dark-blue eyes, whose azure was reflected in theclear orbs of her daughter; but her complexion had taken on the yellowhue of old parchment, and a few wrinkles were beginning to furrow herforehead. 

The madame, as they say in Scandinavia, was invariably attired in afull black skirt, for she had never laid aside her mourning since herhusband's death. Below the shoulder-straps of a brown bodice appearedthe long full sleeves of an unbleached cotton chemise. On hershoulders she wore a small dark-colored fichu that crossed upon herbreast, which was also covered by the large bib of her apron. Shealways wore as a head-dress a close-fitting black-silk cap thatcovered almost her entire head, and tied behind, a kind of head-dressthat is rarely seen nowadays. 

Seated stiffly erect in her wooden arm-chair, the grave hostessneglected her spinning-wheel only to enjoy a small birchwood pipe, whose smoke enveloped her in a faint cloud. 

Really, the house would have seemed very gloomy had it not been forthe presence of the two children. 

A worthy lad was Joel Hansen. Twenty-five years of age, well built, tall, like all Norwegian mountaineers, proud in bearing, though notin the least boastful or conceited. He had fine hair, verging uponchestnut, with blue eyes so dark as to seem almost black. His garbdisplayed to admirable advantage his powerful shoulders, his broadchest, in which his lungs had full play, and stalwart limbs whichnever failed him even in the most difficult mountain ascents. Hisdark-blue jacket, fitting tightly at the waist, was adorned on theshoulders with epaulets, and in the back with designs in coloredembroidery similar to those that embellish the vests of the Bretonpeasantry. His yellow breeches were fastened at the knee by largebuckles. Upon his head he wore a broad-brimmed brown hat with ared-and-black band, and his legs were usually incased either in coarsecloth gaiters or in long stout boots without heels. 

His vocation was that of a mountain guide in the district of theTelemark, and even in the Hardanger. Always ready to start, anduntiring in his exertions, he was a worthy descendant of the Norwegianhero Rollo, the walker, celebrated in the legends of that country. Between times he accompanied English sportsmen who repair to thatregion to shoot the riper, a species of ptarmigan, larger than thatfound in the Hebrides, and the jerpir, a partridge much more delicatein its flavor than the grouse of Scotland. When winter came, thehunting of wolves engrossed his attention, for at that season of theyear these fierce animals, emboldened by hunger, not unfrequentlyventure out upon the surface of the frozen lake. Then there was bearhunting in summer, when that animal, accompanied by her young, comesto secure its feast of fresh grass, and when one must pursue it overplateaus at an altitude of from ten to twelve thousand feet. More thanonce Joel had owed his life solely to the great strength that enabledhim to endure the embraces of these formidable animals, and to theimperturbable coolness which enabled him to eventually dispatch them. 

But when there was neither tourist nor hunter to be guided through thevalley of the Vesfjorddal, Joel devoted his attention to the _soetur_, the little mountain farm where a young shepherd kept guard over halfa dozen cows and about thirty sheep--a _soetur_ consisting exclusivelyof pasture land. 

Joel, being naturally very pleasant and obliging, was known and lovedin every village in the Telemark; but two persons for whom he felt aboundless affection were his cousin Ole and his sister Hulda. 

When Ole Kamp left Dal to embark for the last time, how deeply Joelregretted his inability to dower Hulda and thus avert the necessityfor her lover's departure! In fact, if he had been accustomed to thesea, he would certainly have gone in his cousin's place. But money wasneeded to start them in housekeeping, and as Dame Hansen had offeredno assistance, Joel understood only too well that she did not feelinclined to devote any portion of the estate to that purpose, so therewas nothing for Ole to do but cross the broad Atlantic. 

Joel had accompanied him to the extreme end of the valley on his wayto Bergen, and there, after a long embrace, he wished him a pleasantjourney and a speedy return, and then returned to console his sister, whom he loved with an affection which was at the same time fraternaland paternal in its character. 

Hulda at that time was exactly eighteen years of age. She was not the_piga_, as the servant in a Norwegian inn is called, but rather the_froken_, the young lady of the house, as her mother was the madame. What a charming face was hers, framed in a wealth of pale golden hair, under a thin linen cap projecting in the back to give room for thelong plaits of hair! What a lovely form incased in this tightlyfitting bodice of red stuff, ornamented with green shoulder-straps andsurmounted by a snowy chemisette, the sleeves of which were fastenedat the wrist by a ribbon bracelet! What grace and perfect symmetryin the waist, encircled by a red belt with clasps of silver filigreewhich held in place the dark-green skirt, below which appeared thewhite stocking protected by the dainty pointed toed shoe of theTelemark!

Yes, Ole's betrothed was certainly charming, with the slightlymelancholy expression of the daughters of the North softening hersmiling face; and on seeing her one instantly thought of Hulda theFair, whose name she bore, and who figures as the household fairy inScandinavian mythology. 

Nor did the reserve of a chaste and modest maiden mar the grace withwhich she welcomed the guests who came to the inn. She was wellknown to the world of tourists; and it was not one of the smallestattractions of the inn to be greeted by that cordial shake of thehand that Hulda bestowed on one and all. And after having said to her, "_Tack for mad_" (Thanks for the meal), what could be more delightfulthan to hear her reply in her fresh sonorous voice: "_Wed bekomme_!"(May it do you good!)

CHAPTER IV. 

Ole Kamp had been absent a year; and as he said in his letter, hiswinter's experience on the fishing banks of Newfoundland had beena severe one. When one makes money there one richly earns it. Theequinoctial storms that rage there not unfrequently destroy a wholefishing fleet in a few hours; but fish abound, and vessels whichescape find ample compensation for the toil and dangers of this homeof the tempest. 

Besides, Norwegians are excellent seamen, and shrink from no danger. In the numberless fiords that extend from Christiansand to Cape North, among the dangerous reefs of Finland, and in the channels of theLoffoden Islands, opportunities to familiarize themselves with theperils of ocean are not wanting; and from time immemorial they havegiven abundant proofs of their courage. Their ancestors were intrepidmariners at an epoch when the Hanse monopolized the commerce ofnorthern Europe. Possibly they were a trifle prone to indulge inpiracy in days gone by, but piracy was then quite common. Doubtlesscommerce has reformed since then, though one may perhaps be pardonedfor thinking that there is still room for improvement. 

However that may be, the Norwegians were certainly fearless seamen;they are to-day, and so they will ever be. Ole Kamp was not the man tobelie his origin; besides, he had served his apprenticeship under hisfather, who was the master of a Bergen coasting vessel. His childhoodhad been spent in that port, which is one of the most frequented inScandinavia. Before he ventured out upon the open sea he had been anuntiring fisher in the fiords, and a fearless robber of the sea-birds'nests, and when he became old enough to serve as cabin-boy he made avoyage across the North Sea and even to the waters of the Polar Ocean. 

Soon afterward his father died, and as he had lost his mother severalyears before, his uncle Harald Hansen invited him to become a memberof his family, which he did, though he continued to follow the samecalling. 

In the intervals between his voyages he invariably spent his time withthe friends he loved; but he made regular voyages upon large fishingvessels, and rose to the rank of mate when he was but twenty-one. Hewas now twenty-three years of age. 

When he visited Dal, Joel found him a most congenial companion. Heaccompanied him on his excursions to the mountains, and across thehighest table-lands of the Telemark. The young sailor seemed as muchat home in the fields as in the fiords, and never lagged behind unlessit was to keep his cousin Hulda company. 

A close friendship gradually sprung up between Joel and Ole, and quitenaturally the same sentiment assumed a different form in respect tothe young girl. Joel, of course, encouraged it. Where would his sisterever find a better fellow, a more sympathetic nature, a warmer andmore devoted heart? With Ole for a husband, Hulda's happiness wasassured. So it was with the entire approval of her mother and brotherthat the young girl followed the natural promptings of her heart. Though these people of the North are undemonstrative, they must notbe accused of a want of sensibility. No! It is only their way; andperhaps their way is as good as any other, after all. 

So it came to pass that one day, when all four of them were sittingquietly together, Ole remarked, without any preamble whatever:

"An idea occurs to me, Hulda. "

"What is it?"

"It seems to me that we ought to marry. "

"I think so too. "

"And so do I, " added Dame Hansen as coolly as if the matter had beenunder discussion for some time. 

"I agree with you, " remarked Joel, "and in that case I shall naturallybecome your brother-in-law. "

"Yes, " said Ole; "but it is probable that I shall only love you thebetter for it. "

"That is very possible. "

"We have your consent, then?"

"Upon my word! nothing would please me better, " replied Joel. 

"So it is decided, Hulda?" inquired Dame Hansen. 

"Yes, mother, " replied the girl, quietly. 

"You are really willing?" asked Ole. "I have loved you a long time, Hulda, without saying so. "

"And I you, Ole. "

"How it came about, I really do not know. "

"Nor I. "

"But it was doubtless seeing you grow more beautiful and good day byday. "

"That is saying a little too much, my dear Ole. "

"No; I certainly ought to be able to say that without making youblush, for it is only the truth. Didn't you see that I was beginningto love Hulda, Dame Hansen?"

"I suspected as much. "

"And you, Joel?"

"I was sure of it. "

"Then I certainly think that you ought to have warned me, " said Ole, smiling. 

"But how about your voyages, Ole?" inquired Dame Hansen. "Won't theyseem intolerable to you after you are married?"

"So intolerable that I shall not follow the sea any more after mymarriage. "

"You will not go to sea any more?"

"No, Hulda. Do you think it would be possible for me to leave you formonths at a time?"

"So this is to be your last voyage?"

"Yes, and if we have tolerable luck, this voyage will yield me quitea snug little sum of money, for Help Bros. Have promised me a share inthe profits. "

"They are good men, " remarked Joel. 

"The best men living, " replied Ole, "and well known and highlyrespected by all the sailors of Bergen. "

"But what do you expect to do after you cease to follow the sea, mydear Ole?" inquired Hulda. 

"I shall go into partnership with Joel in his business, I have prettygood legs, and if they are not good enough, I will improve them bygoing into regular training. Besides, I have thought of a plan whichwill not prove a bad one perhaps. Why can't we establish a messengerservice between Drammen, Kongsberg and a few other towns in theTelemark Communication now is neither easy nor regular, and theremight be money in the scheme. Besides, I have other plans, to saynothing of--"

"Of what?"

"Never mind, now. I will tell you on my return. But I warn you that Iam firmly resolved to make my Hulda the happiest woman in the country. Yes, I am. "

"If you but knew how easy that will be!" replied Hulda, offering himher hand. "Am I not that already, and is there a home in all Dal aspleasant as ours?"

Dame Hansen hastily averted her head. 

"So the matter is settled?" asked Ole, cheerfully. 

"Yes, " replied Joel. 

"And settled beyond recall?"

"Certainly. "

"And you feel no regret, Hulda?"

"None whatever, my dear Ole. "

"I think, however, that it would be better not to appoint the day foryour marriage until after your return, " remarked Joel. 

"Very well, but it will go hard with me if I do not return in lessthan a year to lead Hulda to the church at Moel, where our friend, Pastor Andersen, will not refuse to make his best prayer for us!"

And it was in this way that the marriage of Hulda Hansen and Ole Kamphad been decided upon. 

The young sailor was to go aboard his vessel a week later; but beforethey parted the lovers were formally betrothed in accordance with thetouching custom of Scandinavian countries. 

In simple and honest Norway lovers are almost invariably publiclybetrothed before marriage. Sometimes the marriage is not solemnizeduntil two or three years afterward, but one must not suppose that thebetrothal is simply an interchange of vows which depend only upon thehonesty of the parties interested. No, the obligation is much moresacred, and even if this act of betrothal is not binding in the eyesof the law, it is, at least, so regarded by that universal law calledcustom. 

So, in this case, it was necessary to make arrangements for a ceremonyover which Pastor Andersen should preside. There was no minister inDal, nor in any of the neighboring hamlets. In Norway they have whatthey call Sunday towns, in which the minister resides, and where theleading families of the parish assemble for worship. They even leaseapartments there, in which they take up their abode for twenty-fourhours or more--time to perform their religious duties--and peoplereturn from the town as from a pilgrimage. 

Dal, it is true, boasted of a chapel, but the pastor came only when hewas summoned. 

After all, Moel was not far off, only about eight miles distant, atthe end of Lake Tinn, and Pastor Andersen was a very obliging man, and a good walker; so the worthy minister was invited to attend thebetrothal in the twofold capacity of minister and family friend. Theacquaintance was one of long standing. He had seen Joel and Hulda growup, and loved them as well as he loved that young sea-dog, Ole Kamp, so the news of the intended marriage was very pleasing to him. 

So Pastor Andersen gathered together his robe, his collar, and hisprayer-book, and started off for Dal one misty, moisty morning. Hearrived there in the company of Joel, who had gone half-way to meethim, and it is needless to say that his coming was hailed with delightat Dame Hansen's inn, that he had the very best room in the house, andthat the floor was freshly strewn with twigs of juniper that perfumedit like a chapel. 

At one o'clock on the following day the little church was thrownopen, and there, in the presence of the pastor and a few friends andneighbors, Ole and Hulda solemnly promised to wed each other when theyoung sailor should return from the last voyage he intended to make. A year is a long time to wait, but it passes all the same, nor is itintolerable when two persons can trust each other. 

And now Ole could not, without good cause, forsake her to whom he hadplighted his troth, nor could Hulda retract the promise she had givento Ole; and if Ole had not left Norway a few days after the betrothal, he might have profited by the incontestable right it gave him to visitthe young girl whenever he pleased, to write to her whenever he chose, walk out with her arm in arm, unaccompanied by any member of thefamily, and enjoy a preference over all others in the dances that forma part of all f�tes and ceremonies. 

But Ole Kamp had been obliged to return to Bergen, and one weekafterward the "Viking" set sail for the fishing banks of Newfoundland, and Hulda could only look forward to the letters which her betrothedhad promised to send her by every mail. 

And these impatiently expected letters never failed her, and alwaysbrought a ray of happiness to the house which seemed so gloomyafter the departure of one of its inmates. The voyage was safelyaccomplished; the fishing proved excellent, and the profits promisedto be large. Besides, at the end of each letter, Ole always referredto a certain secret, and of the fortune it was sure to bring him. Itwas a secret that Hulda would have been glad to know, and Dame Hansen, too, for reasons one would not have been likely to suspect. 

Dame Hansen seemed to have become even more gloomy and anxious andreticent than ever, and a circumstance which she did not see fit tomention to her children increased her anxiety very considerably. 

Three days after the arrival of Ole's last letter, as Dame Hansenwas returning alone from the saw-mill, to which place she had gone toorder a bag of shavings from the foreman, Lengling, she was accostednear her own door by a man who was a stranger in that part of thecountry. 

"This is Dame Hansen, is it not?" he inquired. 

"Yes; but I do not know you, " was the reply. 

"That doesn't matter, " rejoined the man. "I arrived here only thismorning from Drammen, and am now on my way back. "

"From Drammen?" repeated Dame Hansen, quickly. 

"You are acquainted, I think, with a certain Monsieur Sandgoist, wholives there?"

"Monsieur Sandgoist!" repeated Dame Hansen, whose face paled at thename. "Yes, I know him. "

"Ah, well! When Monsieur Sandgoist heard that I was coming to Dal, heasked me to give his respects to you. "

"Was that all?"

"And to say to you that it was more than probable that he would payyou a visit next month. Good health to you, and good-evening, DameHansen. "

CHAPTER V. 

Hulda was considerably surprised at the persistency with which Olealluded in his letters to the fortune that was to be his on hisreturn. Upon what did the young man base his expectations? Hulda couldnot imagine, and she was very anxious to know. Was this anxiety duesolely to an idle curiosity on her part? By no means, for the secretcertainly affected her deeply. Not that she was ambitious, this modestand honest young girl; nor did she in looking forward to the futureever aspire to what we call wealth. Ole's affection satisfied, andwould always satisfy her. If wealth came, she would welcome it withjoy. If it did not come, she would still be content. 

This is precisely what Hulda and Joel said to each other the dayafter Ole's last letter reached Dal. They agreed perfectly upon thissubject, as upon all others, by the way. And then Joel added:

"No; it is impossible, little sister. You certainly must be keepingsomething from me. "

"Keeping something from you!"

"Yes; for I can not believe that Ole went away without giving you someclew to his secret. "

"Did he say anything to you about it?"

"No; but you and I are not one and the same person. "

"Yes, we are, brother. "

"I am not Ole's betrothed, at all events. "

"Almost, " said the young girl; "and if any misfortune should befallhim, and he should not return from this voyage, you would be asinconsolable as I would be, and your tears would flow quite as freelyas mine. "

"Really, little sister. I forbid you to even speak of such a thing, "replied Joel. "Ole not return from his last voyage to the greatfishing banks! What can have put such an idea into your head? Yousurely can not mean what you say, Hulda!"

"No, certainly not. And yet, I do not know. I can not drive awaycertain presentiments--the result, perhaps, of bad dreams. "

"Dreams are only dreams. "

"True, brother, but where do they come from?"

"From ourselves, not from heaven. You are anxious, and so your fearshaunt you in your slumber. Besides, it is almost always so when onehas earnestly desired a thing and the time when one's desires are tobe realized is approaching. "

"I know it, Joel. "

"Really, I thought you were much more sensible, little sister. Yes, and more energetic. Here you have just received a letter from Joelsaying that the 'Viking' will return before the end of the month, andit is now the 19th of April, and consequently none too soon for you tobegin your preparations for the wedding. "

"Do you really think so, Joel?"

"Certainly I think so, Hulda. I even think that we have delayed toolong already. Think of it. We must have a wedding that will not onlycreate a sensation in Dal, but in all the neighboring villages. Iintend it shall be the grandest one ever known in the district, so Iam going to set to work immediately. "

An affair of this kind is always a momentous occasion in all thecountry districts of Norway, particularly in the Telemark, so thatevery day Joel had a conversation with his mother on the subject. Itwas only a few moments after Dame Hansen's meeting with the stranger, whose message had so deeply agitated her, and though she had seatedherself at her spinning-wheel as usual, it would have been plain to aclose observer that her thoughts were far away. 

Even Joel noticed that his mother seemed even more despondent thanusual, but as she invariably replied that there was nothing the matterwith her when she was questioned on the subject, her son decided tospeak only of Hulda's marriage. 

"Mother, " he began, "you, of course, recollect that Ole announced inhis last letter that he should probably return to Dal in a few weeks. "

"It is certainly to be hoped that he will, " replied Dame Hansen, "andthat nothing will occur to occasion any further delay. "

"Do you see any objection to our fixing upon the twenty-fifth of Mayas the day of the marriage?"

"None, whatever, if Hulda is willing. "

"Her consent is already given. And now I think I had better askyou, mother, if you do not intend to do the handsome thing on thatoccasion?"

"What do you mean by the handsome thing?" retorted Dame Hansen, without raising her eyes from her spinning-wheel. 

"Why, I am anxious, if you approve, of course, that the wedding shouldcorrespond with the position we hold in the neighborhood. We ought toinvite all our friends to it, and if our own house is not large enoughto accommodate them, our neighbors, I am sure, will be glad to lodgeour guests. "

"Who will these guests be, Joel?"

"Why, I think we ought to invite all our friends from Moel, Tiness andBamble. I will attend to that. I think, too, that the presence of HelpBros. , the shipowners, would be an honor to the family, and with yourconsent, I repeat, I will invite them to spend a day with us at Dal. They are very fine men, and they think a great deal of Ole, so I amalmost sure that they will accept the invitation. "

"Is it really necessary to make this marriage such an importantevent?" inquired Dame Hansen, coldly. 

"I think so, mother, if only for the sake of our inn, which I am surehas maintained its old reputation since my father's death. "

"Yes, Joel, yes. "

"And it seems to me that it is our duty to at least keep it up tothe standard at which he left it; consequently, I think it would beadvisable to give considerable publicity to my sister's marriage. "

"So be it, Joel. "

"And do you not agree with me in thinking that it is quite timefor Hulda to begin her preparations, and what do you say to mysuggestion?"

"I think that you and Hulda must do whatever you think necessary, "replied Dame Hansen. 

Perhaps the reader will think that Joel was in too much of a hurry, and that it would have been much more sensible in him to have waiteduntil Ole's return before appointing the wedding-day, and beginning toprepare for it, but as he said, what was once done would not have tobe done over again; besides, the countless details connected with aceremonial of this kind would serve to divert Hulda's mind from theseforebodings for which there seemed to be no foundation. 

The first thing to be done was to select the bride's maid of honor. That proved an easy matter, however, for Hulda's choice was alreadymade. The bride-maid, of course, must be Hulda's intimate friend, Farmer Helmboe's daughter. Her father was a prominent man, and thepossessor of a very comfortable fortune. For a long time he hadfully appreciated Joel's sterling worth, and his daughter Siegfrid'sappreciation, though of a rather different nature, was certainly noless profound; so it was quite probable that at no very distant dayafter Siegfrid had served as Hulda's maid of honor, Hulda, in turn, would act in the same capacity for her friend. This is the custom inNorway, where these pleasant duties are generally reserved for marriedwomen, so it was rather on Joel's account that Siegfrid Helmboe was toserve Hulda Hansen in this capacity. 

A question of vital importance to the bride-maid as well as to thebride, is the toilet to be worn on the day of the wedding. 

Siegfrid, a pretty blonde of eighteen summers, was firmly resolvedto appear to the best possible advantage on the occasion. Warned bya short note from her friend Hulda--Joel had kindly made himselfresponsible for its safe delivery--she immediately proceeded to devoteher closest attention to this important work. 

In the first place, an elaborately embroidered bodice must be made toincase Siegfrid's charming figure as if in a coat of enamel. Therewas also much talk about a skirt composed of a series of jupons whichshould correspond in number with the wearer's fortune, but in no waydetract from her charms of person. As for jewelry, it was no easymatter to select the design of the collar of silver filigree, set withpearls, the heart-shaped ear-rings, the double buttons to fasten theneck of the chemisette, the belt of red silk or woolen stuff fromwhich depend four rows of small chains, the finger-rings studdedwith tiny bangles that tinkle musically, the bracelets of frettedsilver--in short, all the wealth of country finery in which goldappears only in the shape of the thinnest plating, silver in the guiseof tin and pearls, and diamonds in the shape of wax and crystal beads. But what does that matter so long as the _tout ensemble_ is pleasingto the eye? Besides, if necessary, Siegfrid would not hesitate togo to the elegant stores of M. Benett, in Christiania, to make herpurchases. Her father would not object--far from it! The kind-heartedman allowed his daughter full liberty in such matters; besides, Siegfrid was sensible enough not to draw too heavily upon her father'spurse, though everything else was of secondary importance providedJoel would see her at her very best on that particular day. 

As for Hulda, her anxiety on the subject was no less serious, forfashions are pitiless, and give, besides, not a little trouble in theselection of their wedding-toilet. 

Hulda would now be obliged to abandon the long plaits tied with brightribbons, which had heretofore hung from under her coquettish cap, thebroad belt with fancy buckles that kept her apron in place uponher scarlet skirt, the girdle to which were appended several smallembroidered leather cases containing a silver tea-spoon, knife, fork, needle-case and scissors--articles which a woman makes constant use ofin the household. 

No, on the fast approaching day of the nuptials, Hulda's hair would beallowed to float down upon her shoulders, and it was so abundantthat it would not be necessary for her to have recourse to the juteswitches used by Norwegian girls less favored by nature. Indeed, for her clothing, as well as for her ornaments, Hulda would only beobliged to resort to her mother's big chest. In fact, these articlesof clothing are transmitted from marriage to marriage through allthe different generations of the same family. So one sees reappearingagain and again upon the scene the bodice embroidered in gold, thevelvet sash, the skirt of striped silk, the gold chain for the neck, and the crown--the famous Scandinavian crown--carefully preserved inthe most secure of all the chests, and made of pasteboard coveredwith embossed gilt paper, and studded with stars, or garlanded withleaves--that takes the place of the wreath of orange-blossoms worn bybrides in other European countries. 

In this case the crowned betrothed, as the bride is styled, wouldcertainly do honor to her husband; and he would be worthy of her inhis gay wedding suit: a short jacket trimmed with silver buttons, silk-embroidered waistcoat, tight breeches fastened at the knee with abunch of bright ribbons, a soft felt hat, yellow top-boots, and inhis belt the Scandinavian knife--the dolknife--with which the trueNorwegian is always provided. 

Consequently, there was plenty to occupy the attention of the youngladies for some time to come. Two or three weeks would barely sufficeif they wished to have everything in readiness before Ole's return;but even if Ole should arrive sooner than he expected, and Huldashould not be quite ready, she would not be inconsolable, nor wouldhe. 

The last weeks of April and the first weeks of May were devotedto these matters. Joel assumed charge of the invitations, takingadvantage of the fact that his vocation of guide gave him considerableleisure at this season of the year. One would have supposed that hehad a large number of friends in Bamble, for he went there very often. He had already written to Help Bros. , inviting them to attend hissister's wedding, and in accordance with his prediction, these worthyshipowners had promptly accepted the invitation. 

The fifteenth of May came, and any day now they might expect Ole toalight from his kariol, throw open the door, and shout in his hearty, cheerful voice:

"It is I! Here I am!"

A little patience was all that was needed now, for everything was inreadiness, and Siegfrid needed only a word to appear before them inall her splendor. 

The 16th and 17th passed, and still no Ole, nor did the postman bringany letter from Newfoundland. 

"There is no cause for anxiety, little sister, " Joel said, again andagain. "A sailing-vessel is always subject to delays. It is a longway from St. Pierre-Miquelon to Bergen. How I wish the 'Viking' werea steamer and I the engine. How I would drive along against wind andtide, even if I should burst my boiler on coming into port. "

He said all this because he saw very plainly that Hulda's uneasinesswas increasing from day to day. 

Just at this time, too, the weather was very bad in the Telemark. Violent gales swept the high table-lands, and these winds, which blewfrom the west, came from America. 

"They ought to have hastened the arrival of the 'Viking, '" the younggirl repeated again and again. 

"Yes, little sister, " replied Joel; "but they are so strong that theymay have hindered its progress, and compelled it to face the gale. People can't always do as they like upon the sea. "

"So you are not uneasy, Joel?"

"No, Hulda, no. It is annoying, of course, but these delays are verycommon. No; I am not uneasy, for there is really not the slightestcause for anxiety. "

On the 19th a traveler arrived at the inn, and asked for a guide toconduct him over the mountains to the Hardanger, and though Joel didnot like the idea of leaving Hulda, he could not refuse his services. He would only be absent forty-eight hours at the longest, and he feltconfident that he should find Ole at Dal on his return, though, totell the truth, the kind-hearted youth was beginning to feel veryuneasy. Still, he started off early the next morning, though with aheavy heart, we must admit. 

On the following day, at precisely one o'clock, a loud rap resoundedat the door of the inn. 

"It is Ole!" cried Hulda. 

She ran to the door. 

There, in a kariol, sat a man enveloped in a traveling-cloak, a manwhose face was unknown to her. 

CHAPTER VI. 

"Is this Dame Hansen's inn?" he asked. 

"Yes, sir, " answered Hulda. 

"Is Dame Hansen at home?"

"No; but she will soon return, and if you wish to speak to her--"

"I do not. There is nothing I want to say to her. "

"Would you like a room?"

"Yes; the best in the house. "

"Shall we prepare dinner for you?"

"As soon as possible, and see to it that everything is of the verybest quality. "

These remarks were exchanged between Hulda and the traveler before thelatter had alighted from the kariol, in which he had journeyed tothe heart of the Telemark across the forests, lakes, and valleys ofCentral Norway. 

Every one who has visited Scandinavia is familiar with the kariol, the means of locomotion so dear to the hearts of her people. Two longshafts, between which trots a horse wearing a square wooden collar, painted yellow and striped with black, and guided with a simple ropepassed, not through his mouth, but around his nose, two large, slender wheels, whose springless axle supports a small gay-colored, shell-shaped wagon-body, scarcely large enough to hold one person--nocovering, no dash-board, no step--but behind, a board upon which the_skydskarl_ perches himself. The whole vehicle strongly reminds one ofan enormous spider between two huge cobwebs represented by the wheelsof the vehicle. 

At a sign from the traveler the _skydskarl_ sprung to the horse'shead, and the stranger rose, straightened himself out, and finallyalighted, though not without some difficulty, judging from two orthree muttered curses. 

"Will they put my kariol under shelter?" he asked, curtly, pausingupon the threshold. 

"Yes, sir, " replied Hulda. 

"And find my horse?"

"I will have him put in the stable immediately. "

"Have him well cared for. "

"Certainly, sir. May I ask if you intend to remain in Dal severaldays?"

"I don't know yet. "

The kariol and horse were taken to a small barn built under theshelter of some trees at the foot of the mountain. It was the onlystable connected with the inn, but it sufficed for the requirements ofits guests. 

In a few moments the traveler was duly installed in the best chamber, where, after removing his cloak, he proceeded to warm himself beforethe fire he had ordered lighted. In the meantime, Hulda, to satisfythis exacting guest, bade the _piga_ (a sturdy peasant-girl, whohelped in the kitchen, and did the rough work of the inn during thesummer) prepare the best dinner possible. 

A strong, hardy man was this new-comer, though he had already passedhis sixtieth year. Thin, slightly round-shouldered, of medium stature, with an angular head, smoothly shaven face, thin, pointed nose, smalleyes that looked you through and through from behind large spectacles, a forehead generally contracted by a frown, lips too thin for apleasant word ever to escape them, and long, crooked fingers, he wasthe very personification of an avaricious usurer or miser, and Huldafelt a presentiment that this stranger would bring no good fortune toDame Hansen's house. 

He was a Norwegian unquestionably, but one of the very worst type. His traveling costume consisted of a broad-brimmed, low-crowned hat, a snuff-colored suit, the breeches fastened at the knee with a leatherstrap, and over all a large brown cloak, lined with sheep-skin toprotect its wearer from the chilly night air. 

Hulda did not ask him his name, but she would soon learn it, as hewould have to enter it upon the inn register. 

Just then Dame Hansen returned, and her daughter announced the arrivalof a guest who demanded the best room and the best food that the innafforded, but who vouchsafed no information in regard to the probablelength of his stay. 

"And he did not give his name?" asked Dame Hansen. 

"No, mother. "

"Nor say whence he came?"

"No. "

"If he is not a tourist, what can have brought him to Dal?" said DameHansen to herself rather than to her daughter, and in a tone thatindicated some uneasiness. 

But Hulda could not answer this question, as the new-comer hadacquainted her with none of his plans. 

About an hour after his arrival the man came out into the main hall, from which his door opened, but seeing Dame Hansen sitting there, hepaused upon the threshold. 

Evidently he was as much of a stranger to his hostess as his hostesswas to him; but he finally walked toward her, and after a long look ather from over his spectacles:

"You are Dame Hansen, I suppose?" he said, without even touching thehat he had not yet removed from his head. 

"Yes, sir. "

In the presence of this man the widow, strange to say, experienced, like her daughter, an uneasiness for which she could not account, butwhich her guest must have noticed. 

"So you are really Dame Hansen, of Dal?" he continued. 

"Certainly, sir. Have you anything particular to say to me?"

"Nothing; I only wished to make your acquaintance. Am I not yourguest? And now I should like you to see that I have my dinner as soonas possible. "

"Your dinner is ready, " interposed Hulda, "and if you will step intothe dining-room--"

"I will. "

As he spoke, the stranger directed his steps toward the doorindicated, and a moment afterward he was seated near the window infront of a small, neatly spread table. 

The dinner was certainly good. The most fastidious traveler could nothave found fault with it; nevertheless, this ill-tempered individualwas not sparing in his signs and words of dissatisfaction--especiallysigns, for he did not appear to be very loquacious. One could hardlyhelp wondering whether this fault-finding was due to a poor digestionor a bad temper. The soup of cherries and gooseberries did not suithim, though it was excellent, and he scarcely tasted his salmonand salt-herring. The cold ham, broiled chicken and nicely seasonedvegetables did not seem to please him, and his bottle of claret andhis half bottle of champagne seemed to be equally unsatisfactory, though they came from the best cellars in France; and when the repastwas concluded the guest had not even a "_tack for mad_" for hishostess. 

After dinner the old curmudgeon lighted his pipe and went out for awalk along the river bank. 

On reaching the stream he turned and fixed his eyes upon the inn. Heseemed to be studying it under all its varied aspects, as if trying toform a correct estimate of its value. 

He counted every door and window, and finally on his return to theinn he stuck his knife into the horizontal beams at its base, as if totest the quality of the wood and its state of preservation. Couldit be that he was trying to find out how much Dame Hansen's inn wasreally worth? Did he aspire to become the owner of it, though it wasnot for sale? All this was certainly very strange, especially ashe afterward turned his attention to the little yard, the trees andshrubs of which he counted carefully, and finally measured both sidesof the inclosure with regular strides, after which the movement of hispencil over a page of his memorandum-book seemed to indicate that hewas multiplying one by the other. 

All the while Dame Hansen and her daughter were watching him from oneof the windows of the inn. What strange creature was this, and whatcould be the object of his visit? It was greatly to be regretted thatall this took place during Joel's absence, especially as the eccentricindividual was going to spend the night at the inn. 

"What if he is a madman?" said Hulda. 

"A madman? no, " replied Dame Hansen. "But he is a very eccentricperson, to say the least. "

"It is always unpleasant to be ignorant of the name of the person youare entertaining, " remarked the young girl. 

"Before he re-enters the house, Hulda, be sure that you carry theregister into his room. Perhaps he will conclude to write his name init. "

"Yes, mother. "

Just at dusk a fine rain began to fall, so the stranger returned tothe inn. He asked for a small glass of brandy, then without sayinga word, or even bidding any one good-night, he took his woodencandlestick, and entering his room bolted the door behind him, andnothing further was heard from him that night. 

The _skydskarl_ had taken refuge in the barn, where he was alreadysound asleep in company with the sorrel horse. 

Dame Hansen and her daughter rose with the sun the next morning, butno sound came from the room of their guest, who was probably stillsleeping. A little after nine o'clock he made his appearance even moreglum and ill-tempered than the evening before, complaining that hisbed had been hard, and that the noise in the house had kept, himawake; then he opened the door and looked out at the sky. 

The prospect was not very cheering, certainly, for the wind wasblowing a gale, and the stranger concluded not to venture out. Stillhe did not waste his time. With his pipe in his mouth he walked aboutthe inn as if trying to familiarize himself with the arrangementof the interior. He visited all the different rooms, examined thefurniture, and peered into cupboards and sideboards with as muchcoolness as if he had been in his own house. 

Though the man was singular in appearance, his actions were certainlyeven more singular. Finally he seated himself in the big arm-chair, and proceeded to question Dame Hansen in a curt, almost rude tone. Howlong had the inn been built? Was it her husband that built it, or didhe inherit it? How much land was there around it, and what was theextent of the adjoining _souter_? Was the inn well patronized, anddid it pay well? How many tourists came there on an average during thesummer? Did they usually spend one or several days there? etc. , etc. 

It was evident that the stranger had not looked at the register thathad been placed in his room, for that would have given him all theinformation he desired upon this last point. 

In fact, the book was still on the table where Hulda had placed it theevening before, and the traveler's name was not in it. 

"I do not understand how and why these matters can interest you, sir, "said Dame Hansen at last; "but if you wish to know the state ofour business, nothing could be easier. You have only to examine theregister, in which you would greatly oblige me by entering your nameaccording to custom. "

"My name? I will write my name in it, certainly. I will write it therebefore I leave, which will be immediately after breakfast, as I amanxious to get back to Drammen by to-morrow evening. "

"Drammen!" repeated Dame Hansen, hastily. 

"Yes. Will you give me my breakfast as soon as possible?"

"Do you live in Drammen?"

"Yes. May I ask if there is anything astonishing about the fact that Ireside in Drammen?"

So, after spending scarcely twenty-four hours in Dal, or rather atthe inn, the traveler left without making the slightest effort to seeanything of the surrounding country, Gousta, and Rjukanfos, and thewonders of the valley of the Vesfjorddal were entirely ignored. 

It certainly could not have been for pleasure that he left Drammen, sohe must have come on business, and the sole object of his visit seemedto have been a careful examination of Dame Hansen's establishment. 

It was plain to Hulda that her mother was deeply troubled, forshe seated herself in her big arm-chair, and pushing aside herspinning-wheel, remained there silent and motionless. 

In the meantime the traveler had gone into the dining-room and seatedhimself at the table. Though the breakfast was as carefully preparedas the dinner of the evening before, it seemed to give no bettersatisfaction; and yet the guest eat and drank in the same leisurelyfashion. His attention seemed to be chiefly bestowed upon thesilver--a luxury highly prized among Norwegian peasants, where thefew forks and spoons which are handed down from father to son arecarefully preserved with the family jewels. 

Meanwhile the _skydskarl_ busied himself with his preparations fordeparture; and by eleven o'clock the horse and kariol were standingbefore the door of the inn. 

The weather was still threatening; the sky was dull and overcast, andnow and then big drops of rain dashed against the window-panes; butthis traveler with his heavy cloak lined with sheep-skin was not a manto worry about the weather. 

Breakfast over, he called for one more glass of brandy, lighted hispipe, and put on his coat, then stepping out into the hall he calledfor his bill. 

"I will make it out immediately, " replied Hulda, seating herself at asmall desk. 

"Be quick about it, " said the traveler. "And now, " he added, "you hadbetter bring me your book so I can write my name in it. "

Dame Hansen rose and left the room to get the register, which, on herreturn, she placed upon the large table. 

The stranger picked up a pen and took one more long look at DameHansen over his spectacles; then he wrote his name in a large, roundhand, and closed the book. 

Just at that moment Hulda handed him his bill. He took it, examinedeach item separately, and then proceeded to add up the figures, grumbling all the while. 

"Hum!" he exclaimed. "This is very dear! Seven marks and a half for anight's lodging and two meals!"

"You forget the _skydskarl_ and the horse, " remarked Hulda. 

"Nevertheless, I think your charge very high. I really don't see howyou can expect to prosper if you are so exorbitant in your charges. "

"You owe me nothing, sir, " said Dame Hansen, in a voice that trembledso that it was scarcely audible. 

She had just opened the register and read the name inscribed upon it, and now taking the bill and tearing it up, she repeated:

"You owe me nothing. "

"That is exactly my opinion, '" replied the stranger. 

And without bidding them good-bye on his departure any more than hehad bidden them good-day on his arrival, he climbed into his kariol, and the _skydskarl_ jumped upon the board behind him. A few secondslater he had disappeared around a turn in the road. When Hulda openedthe book she found there only this name--

"Sandgoist, from Drammen. "

CHAPTER VII. 

It was on the afternoon of the following day that Joel was to returnhome; and Hulda, who knew that her brother would come back by thetable-lands of the Gousta and along the left bank of the Maan, went tomeet him at the ferry across that impetuous stream. On arriving thereshe seated herself on the little wharf which serves as a landing-placefor the ferry-boat, and abandoned herself to her thoughts. 

To the deep uneasiness caused by the non-arrival of the "Viking"was now added another great anxiety. This last was caused by themysterious visit of Sandgoist, and Dame Hansen's agitation in hispresence. Why had she destroyed the bill and declined to accept themoney due her as soon as she learned her guest's name? There must besome secret concealed under all this--and a grave one. 

Hulda was finally aroused from her reverie by the approach of Joel. She first caught a glimpse of him as he was descending the topmostslope; soon he reappeared in the midst of a narrow clearing betweenthe burned and fallen trees. Then he vanished from sight behind aclump of pines, and at last reached the opposite bank and jumpedaboard the ferry-boat. With a few vigorous strokes of the oar hepropelled the boat swiftly through the rapids, and then leaped uponthe little pier beside his sister. 

"Has Ole returned?" he asked, hastily. 

It was of Ole that he thought first of all; but his question remainedunanswered. 

"Have you received no letter from him?"

"Not one. "

And Hulda burst into tears. 

"Don't cry, little sister, " exclaimed Joel, "don't cry. You make mewretched. I can not bear to see you weep. Let me see! You say you havereceived no letter. The matter is beginning to look a little serious, I must admit, though there is no reason to despair as yet. If youdesire it, I will go to Bergen, and make inquiries there. I will callon Help Bros. Possibly they may have some news from Newfoundland. Itis quite possible that the 'Viking' may have put into some port forrepairs, or on account of bad weather. The wind has been blowinga hurricane for more than a week, and not unfrequently ships fromNewfoundland take refuge in Iceland, or at the Faroe Islands. Thisvery thing happened to Ole two years ago, when he was on board the'Strenna, ' you remember. I am only saying what I really think, littlesister. Dry your eyes. If you make me lose heart what will become ofus?"

"But I can't help it, Joel. "

"Hulda! Hulda! do not lose courage. I assure you that I do notdespair, not by any means. "

"Can I really believe you, Joel?"

"Yes, you can. Now, to reassure you, shall I start for Bergento-morrow morning, or this very evening?"

"No, no, you must not leave me! No, you must not!" sobbed Hulda, clinging to her brother as if he was the only friend she had left inthe world. 

They started toward the inn. Joel sheltered his sister from the rainas well as he could, but the wind soon became so violent that theywere obliged to take refuge in the hut of the ferryman, which stood afew hundred yards from the bank of the Maan. 

There they were obliged to remain until the wind abated a little, andJoel was glad of an opportunity to have a longer conversation with hissister. 

"How does mother seem?" he inquired. 

"Even more depressed in spirits than usual, " replied Hulda. 

"Has any one been here during my absence?"

"Yes, one traveler, but he has gone away. "

"So there is no tourist at the inn now, and no one has asked for aguide?"

"No, Joel. "

"So much the better, for I would much rather not leave you. Besides, if this unpleasant weather continues, it is not likely that manytourists will visit the Telemark this season. But tell me, was ityesterday that your guest left Dal?"

"Yes, yesterday morning. "

"Who was he?"

"A man who resides in Drammen, and whose name is Sandgoist. "

"Sandgoist?"

"Do you know him?"

"No. "

Hulda had asked herself more than once if she should tell her brotherall that had occurred in his absence. When Joel heard how coolly theirguest had conducted himself, and how he seemed to have come merely toappraise the house and its contents, what would he think? Would nothe, too, fear that his mother must have had grave reasons for actingas she had? What were these reasons? What could there be in commonbetween her and Sandgoist? Joel would certainly desire to know, andwould be sure to question his mother, and as Dame Hansen, who wasalways so uncommunicative, would doubtless persist in the silence shehad maintained hitherto, the relations between her and her children, which were so unnatural and constrained now, would become still moreunpleasant. 

But would Hulda be able to keep anything from Joel? A secret from him!Would it not be a violation of the close friendship that united them?No, this friendship must never be broken! So Hulda suddenly resolvedto tell him all. 

"Have you ever heard any one speak of this Sandgoist when you were inDrammen?" she asked. 

"Never. "

"But our mother knew him, Joel; at least by name. "

"She knew Sandgoist?"

"Yes. "

"I certainly never heard the name before. "

"But she has, though she had never seen the man until day beforeyesterday. "

Then Hulda related all the incidents that had marked Sandgoist'ssojourn at the inn, not neglecting to mention Dame Hansen's singularconduct at the moment of his departure. Then she hastened to add:

"I think, Joel, it would be best not to say anything to mother aboutit at present. You know her disposition, and it would only make herstill more unhappy. The future will probably reveal what has beenconcealed from us in the past. Heaven grant that Ole may be restoredto us, and then if any misfortune should befall the family there willat least be three of us to share it. "

Joel had listened to his sister with profound attention. Yes, itwas evident that Dame Hansen must be at this man's mercy, and itwas impossible to doubt that he had come to take an inventory ofthe property. And the destruction of the bill at the time of hisdeparture--a destruction that seemed only right and proper tohim--what could be the meaning of that?

"You are right, Hulda, " said Joel. "I had better not say anything tomother about it. Perhaps she will feel sorry by and by that she hasnot confided in us. Heaven grant that it may not be too late! She mustbe wretched, poor woman! How strange it is that she can not understandthat her children were born to sympathize with her. "

"She will find it out some day, Joel. "

"Yes; so let us wait patiently, little sister. Still, there is noreason why I should not try to find out who the man is. Perhaps FarmerHelmboe knows him. I will ask him the first time I go to Bamble, andif need be I will push on to Drammen. There it will not be difficultfor me to at least learn what the man does, and what people think ofhim. "

"They do not think well of him, I am sure, " replied Hulda. "His faceis very unprepossessing, and I shall be very much surprised if thereis a noble soul concealed under such a repulsive exterior. "

"Come, come, little sister, it will not do to judge people by outwardappearances, " exclaimed Joel. "Don't be so suspicious, Hulda, andcheer up. Ole will soon be with us, and we will scold him roundly forhaving kept us waiting. "

The rain having ceased the pair left the hut and started up the pathleading to the inn. 

"By the way, I must go away again to-morrow, little sister, " saidJoel. 

"Go away again to-morrow!" repeated Hulda. 

"Yes, early in the morning. On leaving the Hardanger I was informedby a comrade that a traveler, coming from the north by way of theRjukanfos would arrive to-morrow. "

"Who is this traveler?"

"I don't know his name, but I must be on hand to conduct him to Dal. "

"Ah, well! go, then, as there is no help for it, " replied Hulda, witha sigh. 

"Yes, I must start to-morrow at sunrise. Do you really feel so badlyabout it, Hulda?"

"Yes, brother, I feel much more unhappy when you leave me, even if itis only for a few hours. "

"Ah, well, this time I shall not go alone. "

"Why, who is to accompany you?"

"You, little sister. You need diversion, and I am going to take youwith me. "

"Oh, thank you, Joel, thank you!"

CHAPTER VIII. 

The brother and sister left the inn at sunrise the next morning. Thefifteen mile walk from Dal to the celebrated falls of the Rjukan, and back again, was a mere trifle for Joel, but it was necessary toeconomize Hulda's strength, so Joel hired foreman Lengling's kariol. This, like all kariols, had but one seat, but the worthy man was solarge that he had been obliged to have his kariol built to order, andthis being the case the vehicle was large enough to enable Huldaand Joel to sit side by side quite comfortably; and if the expectedtourist was waiting for them at Rjukanfos as they anticipated, hecould take Joel's place and the latter could either return afoot ormounted upon the step behind the kariol. 

The road from Dal to the falls is very rough but indescribablycharming. It is really rather a footpath than a road. The bridgesacross the countless streams that dance merrily along to the Maan areall constructed of unhewn logs, but the Norwegian horse traverses themwith a sure step, and though the kariol has no springs, its long andslightly elastic shafts soften the jolting at least to some extent. 

The day was charming, and Hulda and Joel drove along at a brisk pacethrough the flowery fields, bathed on the left by the clear waters ofthe Maan. Clumps of birches here and there shaded the sunny road, andthe dew still glittered on the blades of grass. To the right of thetorrent towered the snow-clad summit of the Gousta, which rises to analtitude of six thousand feet. 

For nearly an hour, the vehicle moved on rapidly, the ascent beingcomparatively slight; but soon the valley became narrower, the gayrivulets were transformed into foaming torrents, and though theroad wound in and out it could not avoid all the inequalities of theground. Beyond came really dangerous passes, through which Joel guidedthe vehicle with no little skill; besides, with him Hulda fearednothing. When the road was very rough she clung to his arm, and thefreshness of the morning air brought a glow to the pretty face whichhad been unusually pale for some time. 

But it was necessary for them to ascend to still greater heights, for the valley here contracted into merely a narrow channel for thepassage of the river, a channel inclosed on either side by massivewalls of rock. Over the neighboring fields were scattered a fewdilapidated farm-houses, the remains of _soeters_, which were nowabandoned, and a few shepherd's huts almost hidden from view by clumpsof birches and oaks. Soon it became impossible for them to see theriver, though they could distinctly hear it dashing along in its rockychannel, and the country assumed an indescribably wild and imposingaspect. 

A drive of two hours brought them to a rough saw-mill perched uponthe edge of a water-fall at least fifteen hundred feet in height. Water-falls of this height are by no means rare in the Vesfjorddal, but the volume of water is usually small. This is not the case withthe falls of the Rjukanfos however. 

On reaching the saw-mill, Joel and Hulda both alighted. 

"A half hour's walk will not be too much for you, will it, littlesister?" asked Joel. 

"No, brother; I am not tired, and a little exercise will do me good. "

"It will be a good deal instead of a little, for you will have somepretty hard climbing to do. "

"I can cling to your arm, Joel. "

It was evident that the kariol must be abandoned at this point, forit would be impossible for it to make its way through the rough paths, the narrow passes, and over the big, fantastically shaped rocks thatheralded the close proximity of the great falls. 

Already, they could see in the distance a thick mist, the spray fromthe seething waters of Rjukan. 

Hulda and Joel took a shady path which is well known to guides, andwhich leads to the end of the valley. A few moments afterward theyfound themselves upon a moss-covered rock almost in front of the fall. In fact there was no chance of getting any nearer to it on that side. 

The brother and sister would have had considerable difficulty inmaking themselves heard if they had wished to speak; but theirthoughts were those that could be exchanged without the agency of thelips. 

The volume of the Rjukan fall is enormous, its height veryconsiderable, and its roar deafening. The earth makes an abruptdescent of nine hundred feet to the bed of the Maan midway betweenLake Mjos and Lake Tinn, nine hundred feet, that is to say six timesthe height of Niagara, though the width of this last water-fall fromthe American to the Canadian shore is three miles. 

The Rjukan is so grand and unique in its aspect that any descriptionfalls far short of the reality, and even a painting can not do justiceto it. There are certain wonders of nature that must be seen ifone would form any adequate conception of their beauty; and thiswater-fall, which is one of the most widely celebrated in Europe, belongs to this category. 

These were the very thoughts that were passing through the mind of atourist who was at that very moment sitting perched upon a rock on theright bank of the Maan, from which spot he could command a nearer andmore extended view of the fall. 

Neither Joel nor his sister had yet noticed him, though he was plainlyvisible from the rock on which they were seated. 

In a few minutes the traveler rose and very imprudently ventured outupon the rocky slope that is rounded like a dome on the side next theMaan. What the adventurous tourist wished to see was evidently the twocaverns under the fall, the one to the left, which is ever filled tothe top with a mass of seething foam, and the one to the right, whichis always enshrouded in a heavy mist. Possibly he was even trying toascertain if there were not a third cavern midway down the fall toaccount for the fact that the Rjukan at intervals projects straightoutward into space a mass of water and spray, making it appear asif the waters had suddenly been scattered in a fine spray over thesurrounding fields by some terrific explosion in the rear of the fall. 

And now the daring tourist was slowly but persistently making hisway over the rough and slippery ledge of rock, destitute alike ofshrubbery or grass, know as the Passe de Marie, or the Maristien. 

It is more than probable, however, that he was ignorant of the legendthat has made this pass so widely know. One day Eystein endeavoredto reach his betrothed, the beautiful Marie of Vesfjorddal, by thisdangerous path. His sweetheart was holding out her arms to him fromthe other side of the gorge, when suddenly he lost his footing, fell, slipped further and further down the ledge of rock which is as smoothas glass, and disappeared forever in the seething rapids of the Maan. 

Was this rash traveler about to meet a similar fate?

It seemed only too probable; and in fact he soon perceived the dangerof his position, though not until it was too late. Suddenly his footslipped, he uttered a cry, and after rolling nearly twenty feet, hefinally succeeded in securing a hold upon a projecting rock on thevery edge of the abyss. 

Joel and Hulda, though they had not yet caught sight of him, heard hiscry. 

"What is that?" exclaimed Joel, springing to his feet. 

"A cry!" replied Hulda. 

"Yes, a cry of distress. "

"From what direction did it come?"

"Let us listen. "

Both looked first to the right, and then to the left of the fall, butthey saw nothing, though they had certainly heard the words "Help!help!" uttered during one of the intervals between each rebound of theRjukan. 

The cry was repeated. 

"Joel, some one who is in danger is calling for help, " cried Hulda. "We must go to his aid. "

"Yes, sister; and he can not be far off. But in what direction? Whereis he? I see no one. "

Hulda hastily climbed a little knoll behind the mossy rock upon whichshe had been sitting. 

"Joel!" she cried, suddenly. 

"Do you see him?"

"There, there!"

As she spoke she pointed to the imprudent man whose body seemed tobe almost overhanging the abyss. If his foothold upon a tiny ledge ofrock failed him, or he was seized with dizziness, he was lost. 

"We must save him!" said Hulda. 

"Yes, " replied Joel, "if we can keep our wits about us we shallperhaps be able to reach him. "

Joel gave a loud shout to attract the attention of the traveler, who immediately turned his head toward the spot from which the soundproceeded; then the worthy fellow devoted a few moments to decidinghow he could best rescue the stranger from his dangerous position. 

"You are not afraid, are you, Hulda?" he asked. 

"No, brother. "

"You know the Maristien well, do you not?"

"I have crossed it several times. "

"Then walk along the brow of the cliff, gradually getting as near thetraveler as you possibly can; then allow yourself to slide downgently toward him, and take him by the hand, so as to prevent himfrom falling any further; but do not let him try to lift himself up, because if he should be seized with vertigo he would certainly dragyou down with him, and you would both be lost. "

"And you, Joel?"

"While you are traversing the brow of the cliff I will creep along theedge of it on the river-side. I shall reach him about as soon as youdo, and if you should slip I shall perhaps be able to prevent you bothfrom falling. "

Then, taking advantage of another interval in the roaring of thetorrent, Joel shouted in stentorian tones:

"Don't move, sir. Wait; we will try to get to you!"

Hulda had already disappeared behind the trees that crowned the ledge, in order to ascend the Maristien from the other side of the declivity, and Joel soon caught a glimpse of the fast-receding form of the bravegirl at the turn in the path where the last trees grew. 

He, in turn, at the peril of his life, had begun to creep slowlyalong the shelving edge of the ledge that surrounds the Rjukan. Whatwonderful coolness, what steadiness of foot and of hand were requiredto thus advance in safety along the edge of an abyss whose borderswere drenched with the spray of the cataract!

In a parallel direction, but at least one hundred feet above his head, Hulda was advancing obliquely in order to reach the traveler moreeasily; but the position of the latter was such that she could not seehis face, that being turned toward the cataract. 

Joel, on reaching a spot directly below the unfortunate man paused, and after planting his foot firmly in a small crevice in the rock, called out:

"Hallo, sir!"

The traveler turned his head. 

"Don't move, sir; don't move an inch, but hold fast!"

"I'll do that, my friend, never fear, " replied the stranger in a tonethat reassured Joel. "If I hadn't a good grip, I should have gone tothe bottom of the Rjukan a quarter of an hour ago. "

"My sister is also coming to help you, " continued Joel. "She will takehold of your hand, but don't attempt to get upon your feet until Ireach you. Don't even move. "

"No more than a rock, " replied the traveler. 

Hulda had already begun to descend the ledge, carefully selectingthe less slippery parts of the slope with the clear head of a truedaughter of the Telemark. 

And she, too, now called out as Joel had done:

"Holdfast, sir. "

"Yes; I am holding fast, and I assure you that I shall continue to doso as long as I can. "

"And above all don't be afraid!" added Hulda. 

"I am not afraid. "

"We'll save you yet!" cried Joel. 

"I hope so, indeed; for by Saint Olaf I shall never succeed in gettingout of this scrape myself. "

It was evident that the tourist had lost none of his presence of mind;but his fall had probably disabled him, and all he could do now was tokeep himself upon the narrow shelf of rock that separated him from theabyss. 

Meanwhile Hulda continued her descent, and in a few minutes reachedthe traveler; then, bracing her foot against a projecting point in therock, she caught hold of his hand. 

The traveler involuntarily attempted to raise himself a little. 

"Don't move, sir, don't move, " cried Hulda. "You will be sure to dragme down with you, for I am not strong enough to keep you from falling!You must wait until my brother reaches us. When he gets between us andthe fall you can then try to get up. "

"That is more easily said than done I fear. "

"Are you so much hurt, sir? I hope you have broken no bones. "

"No; but one leg is badly cut and scratched. "

Joel was about twenty yards from them, the rounded shape of the browof the cliff having prevented him from joining them at once. He wasnow obliged to climb this rounded surface. This was, of course, themost difficult and also the most dangerous part of his task. 

"Don't make the slightest movement, Hulda!" he cried. "If you shouldboth slip while I am not in a position to break your fall you wouldboth be killed. "

"You need not fear that, Joel!" replied Hulda. "Think only ofyourself, and may God help you!"

Joel began to crawl slowly up the rock, dragging himself along on hisbelly like a veritable reptile. Two or three times he narrowlyescaped sliding down into the abyss below, but finally he succeeded inreaching the traveler's side. 

The latter proved to be an elderly but still vigorous-lookingman, with a handsome face, animated with a very genial and kindlyexpression. 

"You have been guilty of a very imprudent act, sir, " remarked Joel assoon as he recovered his breath. 

"Imprudent!" repeated the traveler. "Yes, and as absurd as it wasimprudent. "

"You have not only risked your life, but--"

"Made you risk yours. "

"Oh! that is my business, " replied Joel, lightly. Then he added, inan entirely different tone: "The thing to be done now is to regain thebrow of the cliff, but the most difficult part of the task is alreadyaccomplished. "

"The most difficult?"

"Yes, sir. That was to reach you. Now we have only to ascend a muchmore gradual slope. 

"Still, you had better not place much dependence upon me, my boy. Ihave a leg that isn't of much use to me just now, nor will it be forsome time to come I fear. "

"Try to raise yourself a little. "

"I will gladly do so if you will assist me. "

"Then take hold of my sister's arm. I will steady you and push youfrom below. "

"Very well, my friends, I will be guided entirely by you; as you havebeen so kind as to come to my assistance, I can not do less than yieldyou implicit obedience. "

Joel's plan was carried out in the most cautious manner, and thoughthe ascent was not made without considerable difficulty and danger, all three accomplished it more easily and quickly than they hadthought possible. Besides, the injury from which the traveler wassuffering was neither a sprain nor dislocation, but simply a very badabrasion of the skin; consequently, he could use his limbs to muchbetter purpose than he had supposed, and ten minutes later he foundhimself safe on the other side of the Maristien. 

Once there, he would have been glad to rest awhile under the pinesthat border the upper _field_ of the Rjukanfos, but Joel persuadedhim to make one more effort. This was to reach a hut hidden among thetrees, a short distance from the rock, on which the brother and sisterhad seated themselves on first arriving at the fall. The traveleryielded to their solicitations, and supported on one side by Hulda, and on the other by Joel, he finally succeeded in reaching the door ofthe humble dwelling. 

"Let us go in, sir, " said Hulda. "You must want to rest a moment. "

"The moment will probably be prolonged to a quarter of an hour. "

"Very well, sir; but afterward you must consent to accompany us toDal. "

"To Dal? Why, that is the very place I was going to!"

"Can it be that you are the tourist who was expected from the north?"asked Joel. 

"Precisely. "

"Had I foreseen what was going to happen, I should have gone to theother side of the Rjukanfos to meet you. "

"That would have been a good idea, my brave fellow. You would havesaved me from a foolhardy act unpardonable at my age. "

"Or at any age, " replied Hulda. 

The three entered the hut which was occupied by a family of peasants, a father and two daughters, who received their unexpected guests withgreat cordiality. 

Joel was able to satisfy himself that the traveler had sustained noinjury beyond a severe abrasion of the skin a little below the knee;but though the wound would necessitate a week's rest, the limb wasneither broken nor dislocated. 

Some excellent milk, an abundance of strawberries, and a little blackbread were offered and accepted. Joel gave incontestable proofs of anexcellent appetite, and though Hulda eat almost nothing, the travelerproved a match for her brother. 

"My exertions have given me a famous appetite, " he remarked; "but Imust admit that my attempt to traverse the Maristien was an act of thegrossest folly. To play the part of the unfortunate Eystein when oneis old enough to be his father--and even his grandfather--is absurd inthe highest degree. "

"So you know the legend?" said Hulda. 

"Of course. My nurse used to sing me to sleep with it in the happydays when I still had a nurse. Yes, I know the story, my brave girl, so I am all the more to blame for my imprudence. Now, my friends, Dalseems a long way off to a cripple like myself. How do you propose toget me there?"

"Don't worry about that, sir, " replied Joel. "Our kariol is waitingfor us at the end of the road, about three hundred yards from here. "

"Hum! three hundred yards!"

"But downhill all the way, " added Hulda. 

"Oh, in that case, I shall do very well if you will kindly lend me anarm. "

"Why not two, as we have four at your disposal?" responded Joel. 

"We will say two then. It won't cost me any more, will it?"

"It will cost you nothing. "

"Except my thanks; and that reminds me that I have not yet thankedyou. "

"For what, sir?" inquired Joel. 

"Merely for saving my life at the risk of your own. "

"Are you quite ready to start?" inquired Hulda, rising to escape anyfurther expression of gratitude. 

"Certainly, certainly. I am more than willing to be guided by thewishes of the other members of the party. "

The traveler settled the modest charge made by the occupants of thecottage; then, supported by Joel and Hulda, he began the descent ofthe winding path leading to the river bank. 

The descent was not effected without many exclamations of pain; butthese exclamations invariably terminated in a hearty laugh, and atlast they reached the saw-mill, where Joel immediately proceeded toharness the horse into the kariol. 

Five minutes later the traveler was installed in the vehicle, withHulda beside him. 

"But I must have taken your seat, " he remarked to Joel. 

"A seat I relinquish to you with the utmost willingness. "

"But perhaps by a little crowding we might make room for you?"

"No, no, I have my legs, sir--a guide's legs. They are as good as anywheels. "

Joel placed himself at the horse's head, and the little party startedfor Dal. The return trip was a gay one, at least on the part of thetraveler, who already seemed to consider himself an old friend ofthe Hansen family. Before they reached their destination they foundthemselves calling their companion M. Silvius; and that gentlemanunceremoniously called them Hulda and Joel, as if their acquaintancehad been one of long standing. 

About four o'clock the little belfry of Dal became visible through thetrees, and a few minutes afterward the horse stopped in front ofthe inn. The traveler alighted from the kariol, though not withoutconsiderable difficulty. Dame Hansen hastened to the door to receivehim, and though he did not ask for the best room in the house, it wasgiven to him all the same. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Sylvius Hogg was the name that the stranger inscribed upon theinn register, that same evening, directly underneath the name ofSandgoist, and there was as great a contrast between the two namesas between the men that bore them. Between them there was nothingwhatever in common, either mentally, morally, or physically. One wasgenerous to a fault, the other was miserly and parsimonious; one wasgenial and kind-hearted, in the arid soul of the other every noble andhumane sentiment seemed to have withered and died. 

Sylvius Hogg was nearly sixty years of age, though he did not appearnearly so old. Tall, erect, and well built, healthy alike in mind andin body, he pleased at first sight with his handsome genial face, uponwhich he wore no beard, but around which clustered curling locks ofsilvery hair; eyes which were as smiling as his lips, a broad foreheadthat bore the impress of noble thoughts, and a full chest in whichthe heart beat untrammeled. To all these charms were added aninexhaustible fund of good humor, a refined and liberal nature, and agenerous and self-sacrificing disposition. 

Sylvius Hogg, of Christiania--no further recommendation was needed. That told the whole story. And he was not only known, appreciated, loved and honored in the Norwegian capital, but throughout the entirecountry, though the sentiments he inspired in the other half of theScandinavian kingdom, that is to say in Sweden, were of an entirelydifferent character. 

This fact can easily be explained. 

Sylvius Hogg was a professor of law at Christiania. In some lands tobe a barrister, civil engineer, physician, or merchant, entitles oneto a place on the upper rounds of the social ladder. It is differentin Norway, however. To be a professor there is to be at the top of theladder. 

Though there are four distinct classes in Sweden, the nobility, the clergy, the gentry, and the peasantry, there are but threein Norway--the nobility being utterly wanting. No aristocracy isacknowledged, not even that of the office-holder, for in this favoredcountry where privileged persons are unknown, the office-holderis only the humble servant of the public. In fact, perfect socialequality prevails without any political distinctions whatever. 

Sylvius Hogg being one of the most influential men in the country, thereader will not be surprised to learn that he was also a member of theStorthing; and in this august body, by the well-known probity of hispublic and private life even more than by his mighty intellect, hewielded a powerful influence even over the peasant deputies elected insuch large numbers in the rural districts. 

Ever since the adoption of the Constitution of 1814, it may betruly said that Norway is a republic with the King of Sweden forits president; for Norway, ever jealous of her rights, has carefullyguarded her individuality. The Storthing will have nothing whatever todo with the Swedish parliament; hence it is only natural that the mostprominent and patriotic members of the Storthing should be regardedwith distrust on the other side of the imaginary frontier thatseparates Sweden from Norway. 

This was the case with Sylvius Hogg. Being extremely independent incharacter, and utterly devoid of ambition, he had repeatedly declineda position in the Cabinet; and a stanch defender of all the rightsof his native land, he had constantly and unflinchingly opposed anythreatened encroachment on the part of Sweden. 

Such is the moral and political gulf between the two countries thatthe King of Sweden--then Oscar XV. --after being crowned at Stockholm, was obliged to go through a similar ceremony at Drontheim, the ancientcapital of Norway. Such too is the suspicious reserve of Norwegian menof business, that the Bank of Christiania is unwilling to accept thenotes of the Bank of Stockholm! Such too is the clearly defined lineof demarkation between the two nations that the Swedish flag floatsneither over the public buildings of Norway, nor from the masts ofNorwegian vessels. The one has its blue bunting, bearing a yellowcross; the other a blue cross upon a crimson ground. 

Sylvius Hogg was a thorough Norwegian in heart and in soul, andstoutly defended her rights upon all occasions; so, when in 1854 theStorthing was discussing the question of having neither a viceroynor even a governor at the head of the state, he was one of the mostenthusiastic champions of the measure. 

Consequently, though he was by no means popular in the eastern part ofScandinavia, he was adored in the western part of it, even in the mostremote hamlets. His name was a household word throughout Norway fromthe dunes of Christiansand to the bleak rocks of the North Cape, andso worthy was he of this universal respect that no breath of calumnyhad ever sullied the reputation of either the deputy or the professor. But though he was a Norwegian to the core he was a hot-blooded man, with none of the traditional coldness and apathy of his compatriots;but much more prompt and resolute in his thoughts and acts than mostScandinavians, as was proved by the quickness of his movements, theardor of his words, and the vivacity of his gestures. Had he been bornin France, one would have unhesitatingly pronounced him a Southerner. 

Sylvius Hogg's fortune had never exceeded a fair competence, forhe had not entered into politics for the purpose of making money. Naturally unselfish, he never thought of himself, but continually ofothers; nor was he tormented by a thirst for fame. To be a deputy wasenough for him; he craved no further advancement. 

Just at this time Sylvius Hogg was taking advantage of a three months'vacation to recuperate after a year of severe legislative toil. Hehad left Christiania six weeks before, with the intention of travelingthrough the country about Drontheim, the Hardanger, the Telemark, andthe districts of Kongsberg and Drammen. He had long been anxiousto visit these provinces of which he knew nothing; and his tripwas consequently one of improvement and of pleasure. He had alreadyexplored a part of the region, and it was on his return from thenorthern districts that the idea of visiting the famous falls of theRjukan--one of the wonders of the Telemark--first occurred to him. So, after surveying the route of the new railroad--which as yet existedonly on paper--between the towns of Drontheim and Christiania, he sentfor a guide to conduct him to Dal. He was to meet this guide on theleft bank of the Maan; but lured on by the beauties of the Maristien, he ventured upon the dangerous pass without waiting for his guide. Anunusual want of prudence in a man like him and one that nearly costhim his life, for had it not been for the timely assistance renderedby Joel and Hulda Hansen, the journey would have ended with thetraveler himself in the grim depths of the Rjukanfos. 

CHAPTER X. 

The people of Scandinavia are very intelligent, not only theinhabitants of the cities, but of the most remote rural districts. Their education goes far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. The peasant learns with avidity. His mental faculties are ever on thealert. He takes a deep interest in the public welfare and no mean partin all political and local affairs. More than half of the Storthing ismade up of members of this rank in life. Not unfrequently they attendits sessions clad in the costume of their particular province; butthey are justly noted for their remarkable good sense, acute reasoningpowers, their clear though rather slow understanding, and above all, for their incorruptibility. 

Consequently it is not at all strange that the name of Sylvius Hoggwas a household word throughout Norway, and was uttered with respecteven in the wilds of the Telemark; so Dame Hansen on receiving such awidely known and highly esteemed guest, thought it only proper to tellhim how highly honored she felt at having him under her roof, if onlyfor a few days. 

"I don't know that I am doing you much honor, Dame Hansen, " repliedSylvius Hogg, "but I do know that it gives me great pleasure to behere. I have heard my pupils talk of this hospitable inn for years. Indeed, that is one reason I intended to stop here and rest for abouta week, but by Saint Olaf! I little expected to arrive here on oneleg!"

And the good man shook the hand of his hostess most cordially. 

"Wouldn't you like my brother to fetch a doctor from Bamble?" inquiredHulda. 

"A doctor! my little Hulda! Why! do you want me to lose the use ofboth my legs?"

"Oh, Mr. Sylvius!"

"A doctor! Why not send for my friend, the famous Doctor Bork, ofChristiania? All this ado about a mere scratch, what nonsense!"

"But even a mere scratch may become a very serious thing if notproperly attended to, " remarked Joel. 

"Well, Joel, will you tell me why you are so very anxious for this tobecome serious?"

"Indeed, I am not, sir; God forbid!"

"Oh, well, He will preserve you and me, and all Dame Hansen'shousehold, especially if pretty little Hulda here will be kind enoughto give me some attention. "

"Certainly, Mr. Sylvius. "

"All right, my friends. I shall be as well as ever in four or fivedays. How could a man help getting well in such a pretty room? Wherecould one hope for better care than in this excellent inn? Thiscomfortable bed, with its mottoes, is worth a great deal more thanall the nauseous prescriptions of the faculty. And that quaint windowoverlooking the valley of the Maan! And the stream's soft, musicalmurmur that penetrates to the remotest corner of my cozy nest! And thefragrant, healthful scent of the pines that fills the whole house! Andthe air, this pure exhilarating mountain air! Ah! is not that the verybest of physicians? When one needs him one has only to open the windowand in he comes and makes you well without cutting off your rations. "

He said all this so gayly that it seemed as if a ray of sunshine hadentered the house with him. At least, this was the impression of thebrother and sister, who stood listening to him, hand in hand. 

All this occurred in a chamber on the first floor, to which theprofessor had been conducted immediately upon his arrival; and now, half reclining in a large arm-chair, with his injured limb restingupon a stool, he gratefully accepted the kindly attentions of Joeland Hulda. A careful bathing of the wound with cold water was the onlyremedy he would use, and in fact no other was needed. 

"Thanks, my friends, thanks!" he exclaimed, "this is far better thandrugs. And now do you know that but for your timely arrival upon thescene of action, I should have become much too well acquainted withthe wonders of the Rjukanfos! I should have rolled down into theabyss like a big stone, and have added another legend to those alreadyassociated with the Maristien. And there was no excuse for me. Mybetrothed was not waiting for me upon the opposite bank as in the caseof poor Eystein!"

"And what a terrible thing it would have been to Madame Hogg!"exclaimed Hulda. "She would never have got over it. "

"Madame Hogg!" repeated the professor. "Oh! Madame Hogg wouldn't haveshed a tear--"

"Oh, Mister Sylvius. "

"No, I tell you, for the very good reason that there is no MadameHogg. Nor can I ever imagine what Madame Hogg would be like, stout orthin, tall or short. "

"She would, of course, be amiable, intelligent and good, being yourwife, " replied Hulda, na�vely. 

"Do you really think so, mademoiselle? Well, well, I believe you! Ibelieve you!"

"But on hearing of such a calamity, Mister Sylvius, " remarked Joel, "your relatives and many friends--"

"I have no relatives to speak of, but I have quite a number offriends, not counting those I have just made in Dame Hansen's house, and you have spared them the trouble of weeping for me. But tell me, children, you can keep me here a few days, can you not?"

"As long as you please, Mister Sylvius, " replied Hulda. "This roombelongs to you. "

"You see, I intended to stop awhile at Dal as all tourists do, andradiate from here all over the Telemark district; but now, whether Ishall radiate, or I shall not radiate, remains to be seen. "

"Oh, you will be on your feet again before the end of the week, Ihope, Mister Sylvius, " remarked Joel. 

"So do I, my boy. "

"And then I will escort you anywhere in the district that you care togo. "

"We'll see about that when Richard is himself again. I still have twomonths leave before me, and even if I should be obliged to spendthe whole of it under Dame Hansen's roof I should have no causefor complaint. Could I not explore that portion of the valley ofVesfjorddal lying between the two lakes, make the ascent of Gousta, and pay another visit to the Rjukanfos? for though I very narrowlyescaped falling head foremost into its depths I scarcely got a glimpseof it, and am resolved to see it again. "

"You shall do so, Mister Sylvius, " replied Hulda. 

"And we will visit it next time in company with good Dame Hansenif she will be kind enough to go with us. And now I think of it, myfriends, I must drop a line to Kate, my old housekeeper, and Fink, myfaithful old servant in Christiania. They will be very uneasy if theydo not hear from me, and I shall get a terrible scolding. And nowI have a confession to make to you. The strawberries and milk weredelicious and extremely refreshing, but they scarcely satisfied myhunger, and as I won't submit to being put upon short allowance may Inot ask if it is not nearly your dinner hour?"

"Oh! that makes no difference whatever, Mister Sylvius. "

"On the contrary, it does make a great deal of difference. Do youthink that I am going to sit in solitary grandeur at the table, and inmy own room, all the time I stay at Dal? No, I want to take my mealswith you and your mother if Dame Hansen has no objections. "

Of course Dame Hansen could but assent when she was apprised of theprofessor's request, especially as it would be a great honor to herand hers to have a member of the Storthing at her table. 

"It is settled, then, that we are to eat together in the living room, "remarked Sylvius Hogg. 

"Yes, Mister Sylvius, " replied Joel. "I shall only have to wheel youout in your arm-chair when dinner is ready. "

"Indeed, Mister Joel! Why don't you propose a kariol? No; with the aidof a friendly arm, I shall be able to reach the table. I haven't hadmy leg amputated yet, that I am aware of. "

"As you please, Mister Sylvius, " replied Hulda. "But don't be guiltyof any imprudence, I beg of you, or Joel will have to hurry off insearch of a doctor. "

"More threats! Oh, well, I will be as prudent and docile as possible;provided you do not put me on short allowance, you will find me themost tractable of patient. Can it be that you are not hungry, myfriends?"

"Give us only a quarter of an hour, " replied Hulda; "and we will setbefore you a nice trout from the Maan, a grouse that Joel shot in theHardanger yesterday, and a bottle of French wine. "

"Thank you, my dear child, thank you!"

Hulda left the room to superintend the dinner and set the table, whileJoel took the kariol back to Lengling's stable. Sylvius Hogg was leftalone, and his thoughts very naturally reverted to the honest familywhose guest and debtor he was. What could he do to repay Hulda andJoel for the inestimable service they had rendered him?

He had not much time for reflection, however, for scarcely ten minuteshad elapsed before he was seated in the place of honor at the familytable. The dinner was excellent. It corresponded with the reputationof the inn, and the professor ate very heartily. 

The rest of the evening was spent in conversation in which SylviusHogg took the leading part. As Dame Hanson found it well-nighimpossible to overcome her habitual reserve, Joel and Hulda wereobliged to respond to their genial host's advances, and the sincereliking the professor had taken to them from the very first naturallyincreased. 

When night came, he returned to his room with the assistance of Joeland Hulda, gave and received a friendly good-night, and had scarcelystretched himself out upon the big bed before he was sound asleep. 

The next morning he woke with the sun, and began to review thesituation. 

"I really don't know how I shall get out of the scrape, " he said tohimself. "One can not allow one's self to be saved from death, nursedand cured without any other return than a mere thank you. I am underdeep obligations to Hulda and Joel, that is undeniable; but theservices they have rendered me are not of a kind that can be repaidwith money. On the other hand, these worthy people appear to beperfectly happy, and I can do nothing to add to their happiness!Still, we shall probably have many talks together, and while we aretalking, perhaps--"

During the three or four days the professor was obliged to keep hisleg upon a stool he and the young Hansens had many pleasant chatstogether, but unfortunately it was with some reserve on the brother'sand sister's part. Neither of them had much to say about their mother, whose cold and preoccupied manner had not escaped Sylvius Hogg'snotice, and from a feeling of prudence they hesitated to reveal totheir guest the uneasiness excited by Ole Kamp's delay, for might theynot impair his good humor by telling him their troubles?

"And yet we perhaps make a great mistake in not confiding in MisterSylvius, " Joel remarked to her sister, one day. "He is a very cleverman, and through his influential acquaintances he might perhaps beable to find out whether the Naval Department is making any effort toascertain what has become of the 'Viking. '"

"You are right, Joel, " replied Hulda. "I think we had better tell himall; but let us wait until he has entirely recovered from his hurt. "

"That will be very soon, " rejoined Joel. 

By the end of the week Sylvius Hogg was able to leave his room withoutassistance, though he still limped a little; and he now began to spendhours on the benches in front of the house, gazing at the snow-cladsummit of Gousta, while the Maan dashed merrily along at his feet. 

People were continually passing over the road that led from Dal to theRjukanfos now. Most of them were tourists who stopped an hour or twoat Dame Hanson's inn either to breakfast or dine. There were alsostudents in plenty with knapsacks on their backs, and the littleNorwegian cockade in their caps. 

Many of them knew the professor, so interminable greetings wereexchanged, and cordial salutations, which showed how much Sylvius Hoggwas loved by these young people. 

"What, you here, Mister Sylvius?" they would exclaim. 

"Yes, my friend. "

"You, who are generally supposed to be in the remotest depths of theHardanger!"

"People are mistaken, then. It was in the remotest depths of theRjukanfos that I came very near staying. "

"Very well, we shall tell everybody that you are in Dal. "

"Yes, in Dal, with a game leg. "

"Fortunately you are at Dame Hansen's inn, where you will have thebest of food and care. "

"Could one imagine a more comfortable place?"

"Most assuredly not. "

"Or better people?"

"There are none in the world, " responded the young travelers merrily. 

Then they would all drink to the health of Hulda and Joel, who were sowell known throughout the Telemark. 

And then the professor would tell them all about his adventure, frankly admitting his unpardonable imprudence, and telling how hislife had been saved, and how grateful he felt to his preservers. 

"And I shall remain here until I have paid my debt, " he would add. "Mycourse of lectures on legislation will not be resumed for a long time, I fear, and you can enjoy an extended holiday. "

"Good! good! Mister Sylvius, " cried the light-hearted band. "Oh, youcan't fool us! It is pretty Hulda that keeps you here at Dal. "

"A sweet girl she is, my friends, and as pretty as a picture, besides;and by Saint Olaf! I'm only sixty. "

"Here's to the health of Mister Sylvius!"

"And to yours, my dear boys. Roam about the country, gather wisdom, and yet be merry. Life is all sunshine at your age. But keep away fromthe Maristien. Joel and Hulda may not be on hand to rescue such of youas are imprudent enough to venture there. "

Then they would resume their journey, making the whole valley ringwith their joyful _God-aften_. 

Once or twice Joel was obliged to act as guide to some tourists whowished to make the ascent of Gousta. Sylvius Hogg was anxious toaccompany them. He declared that he was all right again. In fact, thewound on his leg was nearly healed; but Hulda positively forbade himto undertake a trip which would certainly prove too fatiguing for him, and Hulda's word was law. 

A wonderful mountain, though, is this Gousta, whose lofty summittraversed by deep snow-covered ravines, rises out of a forest of pinesthat form a thick green ruff about its snowy throat! And what a superbview one enjoys from its summit. To the east lies the bailiwick ofNumedal; On the west, the Hardanger and its magnificent glaciers; downat the base of the mountain, the winding valley of Vesfjorddal betweenLakes Tinn and Mjos, Dal, and its miniature houses, and the brightwaters of the Maan leaping and dancing merrily along through theverdant meadows to the music of its own voice. 

To make the ascent Joel was obliged to leave Dal at five o'clock inthe morning. He usually returned about six o'clock in the evening, and Sylvius Hogg and Hulda always went to meet him. As soon as theprimitive ferry-boat landed the tourists and their guide a cordialgreeting ensued, and the three spent yet another pleasant eveningtogether. The professor still limped a little, but he did notcomplain. Indeed, one might almost have fancied that he was in nohaste to be cured, or rather to leave Dame Hansen's hospitable roof. 

The time certainly passed swiftly and pleasantly there. He had writtento Christiania that he should probably spend some time at Dal. Thestory of his adventure at the Rjukanfos was known throughout thecountry. The newspapers had got hold of it, and embellished theaccount after their fashion, so a host of letters came to the inn, tosay nothing of pamphlets and newspapers. All these had to be readand answered, and the names of Joel and Hulda which were necessarilymentioned in the correspondence, soon became known throughout Norway. 

Nevertheless, this sojourn at Dame Hansen's inn could not be prolongedindefinitely, though Sylvius Hogg was still as much in doubt as ever, in regard to the manner in which he should pay his debt of gratitude. Of late, however, he had begun to suspect that this family was notas happy as he had at first supposed. The impatience with whichthe brother and sister awaited the arrival of the daily mail fromChristiania and Bergen, their disappointment and even chagrin onfinding no letters for them, all this was only too significant. 

It was already the ninth of June, and still no news from the "Viking!"The vessel was now more than a fortnight overdue, and not a singleline from Ole! No news to assuage Hulda's anxiety. The poor girl wasbeginning to despair, and Sylvius Hogg saw that her eyes were red withweeping when he met her in the morning. 

"What can be the matter?" he said to himself, more than once. "Theyseem to be concealing some misfortunes from me. Is it a family secret, I wonder, with which a stranger can not be allowed to meddle? But dothey still regard me as a stranger? No. Still, they must think so; butwhen I announce my departure they will perhaps understand that it is atrue friend who is about to leave them. "

So that very day he remarked:

"My friends, the hour is fast approaching when, to my great regret, Ishall be obliged to bid you good-bye. "

"So soon, Mister Sylvius, so soon?" exclaimed Joel, with a dismay hecould not conceal. 

"The time has passed very quickly in your company, but it is nowseventeen days since I came to Dal. "

"What! seventeen days!" repeated Hulda. 

"Yes, my dear child, and the end of my vacation is approaching. I haveonly a week at my disposal if I should extend my journey to Drammenand Kongsberg. And though the Storthing is indebted to you for notbeing obliged to elect another deputy in my place, the Storthing willknow no better how to compensate you than I do. "

"Oh! Mister Sylvius, " cried Hulda, placing her little hand upon hislips to silence him. 

"Oh, I understand, Hulda. That is a forbidden subject, at least here. "

"Here and everywhere, " replied the girl, gayly. 

"So be it! I am not my own master, and I must obey. But you and Joelmust come and pay me a visit at Christiania. "

"Pay you a visit?"

"Yes, pay me a visit; spend several weeks at my house in company withyour mother, of course. "

"And if we should leave the inn who will attend to things in ourabsence?" replied Joel. 

"But your presence here is not necessary after the excursion season isover, I imagine; so I have fully made up my mind to come for you latein the autumn. "

"It will be impossible, my dear Mister Sylvius, for us to accept--"

"On the contrary, it will be perfectly possible. Don't say no. I shallnot be content with such an answer. Besides, when I get you therein the very best room in my house, in the care of my old Kate andfaithful Fink, you will be my own children, and then you can certainlytell me what I can do for you. "

"What you can do for us?" repeated Joel, with a glance at his sister. 

"Brother!" exclaimed Hulda, as if divining his intention. 

"Speak, my boy, speak!"

"Ah, well, Mister Sylvius, you can do us a great honor. "

"How?"

"By consenting to be present at my sister Hulda's marriage, if itwould not inconvenience you too much. "

"Hulda's marriage!" exclaimed Sylvius Hogg. "What! my little Hulda isgoing to be married, and no one has said a word to me about it!"

"Oh, Mister Sylvius!" exclaimed the girl, her eyes filling with tears. 

"And when is the marriage to take place?"

"As soon as it pleases God to bring her betrothed, Ole Kamp, back tous, " replied the girl. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Joel then proceeded to relate Ole Kamp's whole history. Sylvius Hogg, deeply moved, listened to the recital with profound attention. He knewall now. He even read Ole's letter announcing his speedy return. ButOle had not returned, and there had been no tidings from the missingone. What anxiety and anguish the whole Hansen family must havesuffered!

"And I thought myself an inmate of a happy home!" he said to himself. 

Still, after a little reflection, it seemed to him that the brotherand sister were yielding to despair while there was still some roomfor hope. By counting these May and June days over and over againtheir imaginations had doubled the number, as it were. 

The professor, therefore, concluded to give them his reasons for thisbelief, not feigned, but really sensible and plausible reasons thatwould also account for the delay of the "Viking. "

Nevertheless his face had become very grave, for the poor girl'sevident grief touched him deeply. 

"Listen to me, my children, " said he. "Sit down here by me, and let ustalk the matter over calmly. "

"Ah! what can you say to comfort us?" cried Hulda, whose heart wasfull to overflowing. 

"I shall tell you only what I really and truly think, " replied theprofessor. "I have been thinking over all that Joel just told me, andit seems to me that you are more anxious and despondent than you haveany real cause to be. I would not arouse any false hopes, but we mustview matters as they really are. "

"Alas! Mister Sylvius, " replied Hulda, "my poor Ole has gone down withthe 'Viking, ' and I shall never see him again!"

"Sister, sister!" exclaimed Joel, "becalm, I beseech you, and hearwhat Mister Sylvius has to say. "

"Yes, be calm, my children, and let us talk the matter over quietly. It was between the fifteenth and twentieth of May that Ole expected toreturn to Bergen, was it not?"

"Yes; and it is now the ninth of June. "

"So the vessel is only twenty days overdue, if we reckon from thelatest date appointed for the return of the 'Viking. ' That is enoughto excite anxiety, I admit; still, we must not expect the samepunctuality from a sailing-vessel as from a steamer. "

"I have told Hulda that again and again, and I tell her so yet, "interrupted Joel. 

"And you are quite right, my boy. Besides, it is very possiblethat the 'Viking' is an old vessel, and a slow sailer, like mostNewfoundland ships, especially when heavily laden. On the other hand, we have had a great deal of bad weather during the past few weeks, andvery possibly the vessel did not sail at the date indicated in Ole'sletter. In that case a week's delay in sailing would be sufficient toaccount for the non-arrival of the 'Viking' and for your failure toreceive a letter from your lover. What I say is the result of seriousreflection. Besides, how do you know but the instructions given to thecaptain of the 'Viking' authorize him to take his cargo to some otherport, according to the state of the market?"

"In that case, Ole would have written, " replied Hulda, who could noteven be cheered by this hope. 

"What is there to prove that he did not write?" retorted theprofessor. "If he did, it is not the 'Viking' that is behind time, butthe American mail. Suppose, for instance, that Ole's ship touched atsome port in the United States, that would explain why none of hisletters have yet reached Europe. "

"The United States, Mister Sylvius!"

"That sometimes happens, and it is only necessary to miss one mailto leave one's friends without news for a long time. There is, at allevents, one very easy thing for us to do; that is to make inquiries ofsome of the Bergen shipowners. Are you acquainted with any of them?"

"Yes, " replied Joel, "Messrs. Help Bros. "

"Help Bros. , the sons of old Help?"

"Yes. "

"Why, I know them, too; at least, the younger brother, Help, Junior, they call him, though he is not far from my own age, and one of myparticular friends. He has often dined with me in Christiania. Ah, well, my children, I can soon learn through him all that can beascertained about the 'Viking. ' I'll write him this very day, and ifneed be I'll go and see him. "

"How kind you are, Mister Sylvius!" cried Hulda and Joel in the samebreath. 

"No thanks, if you please; I won't allow them. Did I ever thank youfor what you did for me up there? And now I find an opportunity to doyou a good turn, and here you are all in a flutter. "

"But you were just talking of returning to Christiania, " remarkedJoel. 

"Well, I shall go to Bergen instead, if I find it necessary to go toBergen. "

"But you were about to leave us, Mister Sylvius, " said Hulda. 

"Well, I have changed my mind, that is all. I am master of my ownactions, I suppose; and I sha'n't go until I see you safely outof this trouble, that is, unless you are disposed to turn meout-of-doors--"

"What can you be thinking of, Mister Sylvius?"

"I have decided to remain in Dal until Ole's return. I want to makethe acquaintance of my little Hulda's betrothed. He must be a brave, honest fellow, of Joel's stamp, I am inclined to think. "

"Yes, exactly like him, " replied Hulda. 

"I was sure of it!" exclaimed the professor, whose cheerfulness hadreturned, at least apparently. 

"Ole is Ole, Mister Sylvius, " said Joel, "and that is equivalent tosaying that he is the best-hearted fellow in the world. "

"I believe you, my dear Joel, and what you say only makes me the moreanxious to see him. I sha'n't have to wait long. Something tells methat the 'Viking' will soon come safely into port. "

"God grant it!"

"And why should He not hear your prayer? Yes, I shall certainly attendHulda's wedding, as you have been kind enough to invite me to it. TheStorthing will have to do without me a few weeks longer, that is all. It would have been obliged to grant me a much longer leave of absenceif you had let me fall into the Rjukanfos as I deserved. "

"How kind it is in you to say this, Mister Sylvius, and how happy youmake us!"

"Not as happy as I could wish, my friends, as I owe my life to you, and I don't know--"

"Oh! please, please say no more about that trifle. "

"Yes, I shall. Come now, who drew me out of the frightful jaws of theMaristien? Who risked their own lives to save me? Who brought me tothe inn at Dal, and cared for me, and nursed me without any assistancefrom the Faculty? Oh! I am as stubborn as an old cart-horse, I assureyou, and I have made up my mind to attend the marriage of Hulda to OleKamp, and attend it I shall!"

Hopefulness is contagious, and how could any one resist suchconfidence as Sylvius Hogg displayed? A faint smile crept over poorHulda's face. She longed to believe him; she only asked to hope. 

"But we must recollect that the days are passing very rapidly, "continued Sylvius Hogg, "and that it is high time we began ourpreparations for the wedding. "

"They are already begun, Mister Sylvius, " replied Hulda. "In fact, they were begun more than three weeks ago. "

"So much the better; but in that case, we must take good care not toallow anything to interrupt them. "

"Interrupt them!" repeated Joel. "Why, everything is in readiness. "

"What, the wedding-dress, the bodice with its silver clasps, the beltand its pendants?"

"Even the pendants. "

"And the radiant crown that will make you look like a saint, my littleHulda?"

"Yes"

"And the invitations are written?"

"All written, " replied Joel, "even the one to which we attach mostimportance, yours. "

"And the bride-maid has been chosen from among the sweetest maidens ofthe Telemark?"

"And the fairest, Mister Sylvius, " added Joel, "for it is MademoiselleSiegfrid of Bamble. "

"From the tone in which he uttered those words, and the way in whichhe blushed as he uttered them, I judge that Mademoiselle SiegfridHelmboe is destined to become Madame Joel Hansen of Dal, " said theprofessor, laughing. 

"Yes, Mr. Sylvius, " replied Hulda. 

"Good! so there is a fair prospect of yet another wedding, " exclaimedSylvius Hogg. "And as I feel sure that I shall be honored with aninvitation, I can do no less than accept it here and now. It certainlylooks as if I should be obliged to resign my seat in the Storthing, for I really don't see how I am to find time to attend its sessions. But never mind, I will be your best man, Joel, after first serving inthat capacity at your sister's wedding. You certainly are making me dojust what you like, or rather what I like. Kiss me, little Hulda! Giveme your hand, my boy, and now let me write to my friend Help, Junior, of Bergen. "

The brother and sister left the apartment of which the professor hadthreatened to take permanent possession, and returned to their dailytasks with rather more hopeful hearts. 

Sylvius Hogg was left alone. 

"Poor child! poor child!" he murmured. "Yes, I have made her forgether sorrow for a few moments. But the delay has been a long one; andthe sea is very rough at this season of the year. What if the 'Viking'has indeed gone down, and Ole should never return!"

A moment afterward the professor was busily engaged in writing to hisBergen friend. He asked for the fullest possible particulars in regardto everything connected with the "Viking" and her cruise, and inquiredif some event, unforeseen or otherwise, had made it necessary to sendthe vessel to a different port from that for which it was originallydestined. He also expressed a strong desire to hear as soon aspossible how the shipping merchants and sailors of Bergen explainedthe delay. In short, he begged his friend Help to give him allpossible information in regard to the matter by return mail. 

This urgent letter also explained Sylvius Hogg's interest in the mateof the "Viking, " the invaluable service rendered him by the youngman's betrothed, and the pleasure it would afford him to be able togive some encouragement to Dame Hansen's children. 

As soon as this letter was finished Joel took it to Moel so it wouldgo on the following day. It would reach Bergen on the eleventh, so areply to it ought to be received on the evening of the twelfth or themorning of the thirteenth at the very latest. 

Nearly three days of dreary waiting! How interminable they seemed!Still, by dint of reassuring words and encouraging arguments, theprofessor contrived to alleviate the painful suspense. Now he knewHulda's secret, was there not a topic of conversation ever ready? Andwhat a consolation it was to Joel and his sister to be able to talk ofthe absent one!

"I am one of the family now, " Sylvius Hogg repeated again and again. "Yes, I am like an uncle that has just arrived from America or someforeign land. "

And as he was one of the family, they must have no more secrets fromhim. 

Of course he had not failed to notice the children's constrainedmanner toward their mother, and he felt satisfied that the reserve theparent displayed had its origin in something besides the uneasinessshe felt on Ole Kamp's account. He thought he might venture toquestion Joel; but the latter was unable to give any satisfactoryreply. The professor than ventured to sound Dame Hansen on thesubject, but she was so uncommunicative that he was obliged to abandonall hope of obtaining any knowledge of her secret until some futureday. 

As Sylvius Hogg had predicted, the letter from Help, Junior, reachedDal on the morning of the thirteenth. Joel started out before daylightto meet the postman, and it was he who brought the letter into thelarge hall where the professor was sitting with Dame Hansen and herdaughter. 

There was a moment's silence. Hulda, who was as pale as death, wasunable to utter a word so violent was the throbbing of her heart, butshe seized the hand of her brother, who was equally agitated, and heldit tightly. 

Sylvius Hogg opened the letter and read it aloud. 

To his great regret the missive contained only some veryvague information; and the professor was unable to conceal hisdisappointment from the young people who listened to the letter withtears in their eyes. 

The "Viking" had left Saint-Pierre-Miquelon on the date mentioned inOle Kamp's last letter. This fact had been established by the reportsreceived from other vessels which had reached Bergen since the"Viking's" departure from Newfoundland. These vessels had seen nothingof the missing ship on their homeward voyage, but they had encounteredvery bad weather in the neighborhood of Iceland. Still they hadmanaged to weather the gales; so it was possible that the "Viking" hadbeen equally fortunate, and had merely been delayed somewhere, or hadput into some port for repairs. The "Viking" was a stanch craft, verysubstantially built, and commanded by Captain Frikel, of Hammersfest, a thoroughly competent officer. Still, this delay was alarming, and ifit continued much longer there would be good reason to fear that the"Viking" had gone down with all on board. 

The writer regretted that he had no better news to give the youngHansens, and spoke of Ole Kamp in the most complimentary terms. He concluded his letter by assuring the professor of his sincerefriendship, and that of his family, and by promising to send himwithout delay any intelligence that might be received at any Norwegianport, in relation to the "Viking. "

Poor Hulda sunk half fainting into a chair while Sylvius Hogg wasreading this letter, and she was sobbing violently when he concludedits perusal. 

Joel, with his arms folded tightly upon his breast, listened insilence, without daring to glance at his sister. 

Dame Hansen, as soon as the reading was concluded, went up to herroom. She seemed to have been expecting the blow. 

The professor beckoned Hulda and her brother to his side. He wanted totalk with them calmly and sensibly on the subject, and he expressed aconfidence that was singular, to say the least, after Help, Junior'sletter. They had no reason to despair. Were there not countlessexamples of protracted delays while navigating the seas that liebetween Norway and Newfoundland? Yes, unquestionably. And was not the"Viking" a strong craft, well officered, and manned by an excellentcrew, and consequently in a much better condition than many of thevessels that had come safely into port? Most assuredly. 

"So let us continue to hope, " he added, "and wait. If the 'Viking'had been wrecked between Iceland and Newfoundland the numerous vesselsthat follow the same route to reach Europe would certainly have seensome trace of the disaster. But no, not a single floating plankor spar did they meet on the whole of this route, which is so muchfrequented at the conclusion of the fishing season. Still, we musttake measures to secure information of a more positive nature. If wereceive no further news of the 'Viking' during the coming week, norany letter from Ole, I shall return to Christiania and ask the NavalDepartment to make careful inquiries, and I feel sure that the resultwill prove eminently satisfactory to all concerned. "

In spite of the hopeful manner assumed by the professor, Joel andHulda both felt that he did not speak as confidently as he had spokenbefore the receipt of the letter from Bergen--a letter whose contentsgave them little if any grounds for hope. In fact, Sylvius Hogg nolonger dared to venture any allusion to the approaching marriage ofHulda and Ole Kamp, though he said to himself again and again:

"No, no, it is impossible! Ole Kamp never cross the threshold of DameHansen's house again? Ole not marry Hulda? Nothing will ever make mebelieve such a misfortune possible. "

He was perfectly sincere in this conviction. It was due to the energyof his character, to a spirit of hopefulness that nothing could crush. But how could he hope to convince others, especially those whom thefate of the "Viking" affected so directly?

A few days were allowed to elapse. Sylvius Hogg, who was now entirelywell, took a long walk every day, and persuaded Hulda and her brotherto accompany him. One day all three of them went up the valley ofVesfjorddal half-way to the falls of the Rjukan. The next day theywent to Moel and Lake Tinn. Once they were even absent twenty-fourhours. This time they prolonged their excursion to Bamble, where theprofessor made the acquaintance of Farmer Helmboe and his daughterSiegfrid. What a cordial welcome the latter gave to her friend Hulda, and what words of tenderness she found to console her!

Here, too, Sylvius Hogg did all in his power to encourage these worthypeople. He had written to the Navy Department, and the government wasinvestigating the matter. Ole would certainly return at no distantday. He might drop in upon them, indeed, at any moment. No; thewedding would not have to be postponed more than six weeks! The goodman seemed so thoroughly convinced of all this, that his auditors wereinfluenced rather by his firm conviction than by his arguments. 

This visit to the Helmboe family did the young Hansens good, and theyreturned home much calmer than they went away. 

At last the fifteenth of June came. The "Viking" was now exactly onemonth overdue; and as the distance from Newfoundland to the coast ofNorway is comparatively short, this delay was beyond all reason, evenfor a sailing-vessel. 

Hulda seemed to have abandoned all hope; and her brother could notfind a single word to say by way of encouragement. In the presenceof these poor, unhappy creatures, the professor realized the utterfutility of any well-meant attempt at consolation. Hulda and Joelcrossed the threshold only to stand and gaze in the direction of Moel, or to walk up the road leading to Rjukanfos. Ole Kamp would probablycome by the way of Bergen, but he might come by way of Christianiaif the destination of the "Viking" had been changed. The sound of anapproaching kariol, a hasty cry, the form of a man suddenly roundinga curve in the road made their hearts beat wildly; but all for naught. The good people of Dal were also eagerly watching. Not unfrequentlythey went half-way to meet the postman. Everybody was deeplyinterested, for the Hansen family was exceedingly popular in theneighborhood; and poor Ole was almost a child of the Telemark. But noletter came from Bergen or Christiania giving news of the absent one. 

Nothing new occurred on the sixteenth. Sylvius Hogg could scarcelyrestrain his restlessness. He began to understand that he must proceedto act in person, so he announced to his friends that if no news wasreceived on the following day he should go to Christiania and satisfyhimself that nothing had been left undone. Of course, it was hardfor him to leave Hulda and Joel, but there was no help for it; and hewould return as soon as his task was accomplished. 

On the seventeenth a greater part of the most wretched day they hadever spent together passed without bringing any new developments. Ithad rained incessantly since early morning; the wind was blowing agale, and the rain dashed fiercely against the window on the side ofthe house nearest the Maan. 

Seven o'clock came. They had just finished dinner, which had beeneaten in profound silence, as if in a house of mourning. Even SylviusHogg had been unable to keep up the conversation. What could he saythat he had not already said a hundred times before?

"I shall start for Christiania to-morrow morning, " he remarked atlast. "Joel, I wish you would procure a kariol and drive me to Moel. "

"Very well, Mr. Sylvius. But wouldn't you like me to accompany youfurther?"

The professor shook his head, with a meaning glance at Hulda, for hedid not want to see her separated from her brother. 

Just then a sound, which was as yet scarcely audible, was heard on theroad in the direction of Moel. They all listened breathlessly. Soonall doubts vanished. It was the sound of an approaching kariol comingswiftly toward Dal. Was the occupant some traveler who intended tospend the night at the inn? This was scarcely probable, as touristsrarely arrived at so late an hour. 

Hulda sprung up trembling in every limb. Joel went to the door, openedit and looked out. 

The noise grew louder It was certain the clatter of horse's hoofsblended with, the roll of kariol wheels; but the storm without was soviolent that Joel was obliged to close the door. 

Sylvius Hogg tramped up and down the room in a perfect fever ofimpatience. Joel and his sister held each other tightly by the hand. 

The kariol could not be more than twenty yards from the house now. Would it pause or go by?

The hearts of all three throbbed to suffocation. 

The kariol stopped. They heard a voice calling; but it was not thevoice of Ole Kamp!

Almost immediately some one rapped at the door. 

Joel opened it. 

A man stood upon the threshold. 

"Is Mr. Sylvius Hogg here?" he asked. 

"I am he, " replied the professor. "Who are you, my friend?"

"A messenger sent to you by the Secretary of the Navy at Christiania. "

"Have you a letter for me?"

"Yes, sir; here it is. "

And the messenger handed him a large envelope sealed with theGovernment seal. 

Hulda's limbs tottered under her, and her brother sprung forward andplaced her in a chair. Neither of them dared to ask Sylvius Hogg toopen the letter. 

At last he broke the seal and read the following:

"MR. PROFESSOR, --In reply to your last letter, I inclose a paperpicked up at sea on the 3d instant by a Danish vessel. Unfortunatelythis discovery dispels any lingering doubt as to the fate of the'Viking'--"

Sylvius Hogg, without taking time to read the rest of the letter, drewthe paper from the envelope. He looked at it; he turned it over. 

It was a lottery ticket bearing the number 9672. 

On the other side of the ticket were the following lines:

"May 3d. 

"DEAREST HULDA, --The 'Viking' is going down. I have only this ticketleft of all I hoped to bring back to you. I intrust it to God's hands, hoping that it may reach you safely; and as I shall not be there, Ibeseech you to be present at the drawing. Accept the ticket withmy last thought of you. Hulda, do not forget me in your prayers. Farewell, my beloved, farewell!

"OLE KAMP. "

CHAPTER XII. 

So this was the young man's secret! This was the source from which heexpected to derive a fortune for his promised bride--a lottery ticket, purchased before his departure. And as the "Viking" was going down, he inclosed the ticket in a bottle and threw it into the sea with thelast farewell for Hulda. 

This time Sylvius Hogg was completely disconcerted. He looked at theletter, then at the ticket. He was speechless with dismay. Besides, what could he say? How could any one doubt that the "Viking" had gonedown with all on board?

While Sylvius Hogg was reading the letter Hulda had nerved herself tolisten, but after the concluding words had been read, she fell backunconscious in Joel's arms, and it became necessary to carry her toher own little chamber, where her mother administered restoratives. After she recovered consciousness she asked to be left alone forawhile, and she was now kneeling by her bedside, praying for OleKamp's soul. 

Dame Hansen returned to the hall. At first she started toward theprofessor, as if with the intention of speaking to him, then suddenlyturning toward the staircase, she disappeared. 

Joel, on returning from his sister's room, had hastily left the house. He experienced a feeling of suffocation in the dwelling over whichsuch a dense cloud of misfortune seemed to be hanging. He longed forthe outer air, the fierce blast of the tempest, and spent a part ofthe night in wandering aimlessly up and down the banks of the Maan. 

Sylvius Hogg was therefore left alone. Stunned by the stroke at first, he soon recovered his wonted energy. After tramping up and down thehall two or three times, he paused and listened, in the hope that hemight hear a summons from the young girl, but disappointed in this, he finally seated himself at the table, and abandoned himself to histhoughts. 

"Can it be possible that Hulda is never to see her betrothedagain?" he said to himself. "No; such a misfortune is inconceivable. Everything that is within me revolts at the thought! Even admittingthat the 'Viking' has gone to the bottom of the ocean, what conclusiveproof have we of Ole's death? I can not believe it. In all cases ofshipwreck time alone can determine whether or not any one has survivedthe catastrophe. Yes; I still have my doubts, and I shall continueto have them, even if Hulda and Joel refuse to share them. If the'Viking' really foundered, how does it happen that no floatingfragments of the wreck have been seen at sea--at least nothing exceptthe bottle in which poor Ole placed his last message, and with it allhe had left in the world. "

Sylvius Hogg had the ticket still in his hand, and again he lookedat it, and turned it over and held it up between him and the waninglight--this scrap of paper upon which poor Ole had based his hopes offortune. 

But the professor, wishing to examine it still more carefully, rose, listened again to satisfy himself that the poor girl upstairs was notcalling her mother or brother, and then entered his room. 

The ticket proved to be a ticket in the Christiania Schools Lottery--avery popular lottery in Norway at that time. The capital prize was onehundred thousand marks; the total value of the other prizes, ninetythousand marks, and the number of tickets issued, one million, all ofwhich had been sold. 

Ole Kamp's ticket bore the number 9672; but whether this number provedlucky or unlucky, whether the young sailor had any secret reason forhis confidence in it or not, he would not be present at the drawing, which was to take place on the fifteenth of July, that is to say, intwenty-eight days; but it was his last request that Hulda should takehis place on that occasion. 

By the light of his candle, Sylvius Hogg carefully reread thelines written upon the back of the ticket, as if with the hope ofdiscovering some hidden meaning. 

The lines had been written with ink, and it was evident that Ole'shand had not trembled while tracing them. This showed that the mateof the 'Viking' retained all his presence of mind at the time ofthe shipwreck, and that he was consequently in a condition to takeadvantage of any means of escape that might offer, such as a floatingspar or plank, in case the raging waters had not swallowed upeverything when the vessel foundered. 

Very often writings of this kind that are recovered from the sea statethe locality in which the catastrophe occurred; but in this neitherthe latitude nor longitude were mentioned; nor was there anythingto indicate the nearest land. Hence one must conclude that no one onboard knew where the "Viking" was at the time of the disaster. Drivenon, doubtless, by a tempest of resistless power, the vessel must havebeen carried far out of her course, and the clouded sky making asolar observation impossible, there had been no way of determining theship's whereabouts for several days; so it was more than probable thatno one would ever know whether it was near the shores of North Americaor of Iceland that the gallant crew had sunk to rise no more. 

This was a circumstance calculated to destroy all hope, even in thebosoms of the most sanguine. 

With some clew, no matter how vague, a search for the missing vesselwould have been possible. A ship or steamer could be dispatched to thescene of the catastrophe and perhaps find some trace of it. Besides, was it not quite possible that one or more survivors had succeeded inreaching some point on the shores of the Arctic continent, and thatthey were still there, homeless, and destitute, and hopelessly exiledfrom their native land?

Such was the theory that gradually assumed shape in Sylvius Hogg'smind--a theory that it would scarcely do to advance to Joel and Hulda, so painful would the disappointment prove if it should be withoutfoundation. 

"And though the writing gives no clew to the scene of thecatastrophe, " he said to himself, "we at least know where the bottlewas picked up. This letter does not state, but they must know at theNaval Department; and is it not an indication that might be usedto advantage? By studying the direction of the currents and ofthe prevailing winds at the time of the shipwreck might it not bepossible? I am certainly going to write again. Search must be made, nomatter how small the chances of success. No; I will never desert poorHulda! And until I have positive proofs of it I will never credit thedeath of her betrothed. "

Sylvius Hogg reasoned thus; but at the same time he resolved to saynothing about the measures he intended to adopt, or the search heintended to urge on with all his influence. Hulda and her brother mustknow nothing about his writing to Christiania; moreover, he resolvedto postpone indefinitely the departure which had been announced forthe next day, or rather he would leave in a few days, but only for atrip to Bergen. There, he could learn from the Messrs. Help all theparticulars concerning the "Viking, " ask the opinion of the mostexperienced mariners, and decide upon the way in which search couldbest be made. 

In the meantime, from information furnished by the Navy Department, the press of Christiania, then that of Norway, Sweden, and finallyall Europe, gradually got hold of this story of a lottery tickettransformed into an important legal document. There was something verytouching about this gift from a shipwrecked mariner to his betrothed. 

The oldest of the Norwegian journals, the "Morgen-Blad, " was thefirst to relate the story of the "Viking" and Ole Kamp; and of thethirty-seven other papers published in that country at the time, not one failed to allude to it in touching terms. The illustrated"Nyhedsblad" published an ideal picture of the shipwreck. Therewas the sinking "Viking, " with tattered sails and hull partiallydestroyed, about to disappear beneath the waves. Ole stood in the bowthrowing the bottle containing his last message into the sea, at thesame time commending his soul to God. In a luminous cloud in the dimdistance a wave deposited the bottle at the feet of his betrothed. Thewhole picture was upon an enlarged representation of a lottery ticketbearing the number 9672 in bold relief. An unpretending conception, unquestionably, but one that could hardly fail to be regarded as amasterpiece in the land which still clings to legends of the Undinesand Valkyries. Then the story was republished and commented upon inFrance and England, and even in the United States. The story of Huldaand Ole became familiar to every one through the medium of pencil andpen. This young Norwegian girl, without knowing it, held a prominentplace in the sympathy and esteem of the public. The poor child littlesuspected the interest she had aroused, however; besides, nothingcould have diverted her mind from the loss that engrossed her everythought. 

This being the case, no one will be surprised at the effect producedupon both continents--an effect easily explained when we remember howprone we all are to superstition. A lottery ticket so providentiallyrescued from the waves could hardly fail to be the winning ticket. Wasit not miraculously designated as the winner of the capital prize? Wasit not worth a fortune--the fortune upon which Ole Kamp had counted?

Consequently it is not surprising that overtures for the purchase ofthis ticket came from all parts of the country. At first, the pricesoffered were small, but they increased from day to day; and it wasevident that they would continue to increase in proportion as the dayof the drawing approached. 

These offers came not only from different parts of Scandinavia, whichis a firm believer in the active intervention of supernatural powersin all mundane matters--but also from foreign lands, and even fromFrance. 

Even the phlegmatic English grew excited over the matter, andsubsequently the Americans, who are not prone to spend their money sounpractically. A host of letters came to Dal, and the newspapersdid not fail to make mention of the large sums offered to theHansen family. A sort of minor stock exchange seemed to have beenestablished, in which values were constantly changing, but always forthe better. 

Several hundred marks were, in fact, offered for this ticket, whichhad only one chance in a million of winning the capital prize. Thiswas absurd, unquestionably, but superstitious people do not stop toreason; and as their imaginations became more and more excited, theywere likely to bid much higher. 

This proved to be the case. One week after the event the papersannounced that the amounts offered for the ticket exceeded onethousand, fifteen hundred and even two thousand marks. A resident ofManchester, England, had even offered one hundred pounds sterling, ortwo thousand five hundred marks; while an American, and a Bostonianat that, announced his willingness to give one thousand dollars forticket No. 9672 of the Christiania Schools Lottery. 

It is needless to say that Hulda troubled herself very little aboutthe matter that was exciting the public to such an extent. She wouldnot even read the letters that were addressed to her on the subject;but the professor insisted that she must not be left in ignorance ofthese offers, as Ole Kamp had bequeathed his right and title in thisticket to her. 

Hulda refused all these offers. This ticket was the last letter of herbetrothed. 

No one need suppose that this refusal was due to an expectation thatthe ticket would win one of the prizes in the lottery. No. She sawin it only the last farewell of her shipwrecked lover--a memento shewished to reverently preserve. She cared nothing for a fortune thatOle could not share with her. What could be more touching than thisworship of a souvenir?

On apprising her of these different offers, however, neither SylviusHogg nor Joel made any attempt to influence Hulda. She was to beguided entirely by her own wishes in the matter. They knew now whather wishes were. 

Joel, moreover, approved his sister's decision unreservedly. OleKamp's ticket must not be sold to any person at any price. 

Sylvius Hogg went even further. He not only approved Hulda's decision, but he congratulated her upon it. Think of seeing this ticket soldand resold, passing from hand to hand, transformed, as it were, intoa piece of merchandise, until the time appointed for the drawingarrived, when it would very probably become a worthless scrap ofpaper?

And Sylvius Hogg went even further. Was it, perhaps, because he wasslightly superstitious? No. Still, if Ole Kamp had been there, theprofessor would probably have said to him:

"Keep your ticket, my boy, keep it! First, your ticket, and then you, yourself, were saved from the wreck. You had better wait and see whatwill come of it. One never knows; no, one never knows!"

And when Sylvius Hogg, professor of law, and; a member of theStorthing, felt in this way, one can hardly wonder at the infatuationof the public, nor that No. 9672 could be sold at an enormous premium. 

So in Dame Hansen's household there was no one who protested againstthe young girl's decision--at least no one except the mother. 

She was often heard to censure it, especially in Hulda's absence, afact that caused poor Joel not a little mortification and chagrin, forhe was very much afraid that she would not always confine herself tocovert censure, and that she would urge Hulda to accept one of theoffers she had received. 

"Five thousand marks for the ticket!" she repeated again and again. "They offer five thousand marks for it!"

It was evident that Dame Hansen saw nothing either pathetic orcommendable in her daughter's refusal. She was thinking only of thislarge sum of five thousand marks. A single word from Hulda would bringit into the family. She had no faith either in the extraordinaryvalue of the ticket, Norwegian though she was; and to sacrifice firethousand marks for a millionth chance of winning one hundred thousandwas an idea too absurd to be entertained far a moment by her cool andpractical mind. 

All superstition aside, it is undeniable that the sacrifice of acertainty, under such conditions, was not an act of worldly wisdom;but as we said before, the ticket was not a lottery ticket in Hulda'seyes; it was Ole's last farewell, and it would have broken her heartto part with it. 

Nevertheless, Dame Hansen certainly disapproved her daughter'sresolve. It was evident, too, that her dissatisfaction was constantlyincreasing, and it seemed more than likely that at no very distant dayshe would endeavor to make Hulda change her decision. Indeed, she hadalready intimated as much to Joel, who had promptly taken his sister'spart. 

Sylvius Hogg was, of course, kept informed of what was going on. Suchan attempt on the mother's part would only be another trial added tothose Hulda was already obliged to endure, and he was anxious to avertit if possible. Joel mentioned the subject to him sometimes. 

"Isn't my sister right in refusing?" he asked. "And am I not justifiedin upholding her in her refusal?"

"Unquestionably, " replied Sylvius Hogg. "And yet, from a mathematicalpoint of view, your mother is a million times right. But the scienceof mathematics does not govern everything in this world. Calculationhas nothing to do with the promptings of the heart. "

During the next two weeks they were obliged to watch Hulda veryclosely, for the state of her health was such as to excite seriousanxiety. Fortunately loving care and attention were not wanting. AtSylvius Hogg's request, the celebrated Dr. Bock, a personal friend, came to Dal to see the young invalid. He could only prescribe rest, and quiet of soul, if that were possible; but the only sure means ofcuring her was Ole's return, and this means God only could provide. Still, Sylvius Hogg was untiring in his efforts to console the younggirl. His words were ever words of hope, and strange as it may appear, Sylvius Hogg did not despair. 

Thirteen days had now elapsed since the arrival of the ticketforwarded by the Navy Department. It was now the thirteenth of June. A fortnight more, and the drawing of the lottery would take place withgreat pomp in the main hall of the University of Christiania. 

On the morning of the thirtieth day of June Sylvius Hogg receivedanother letter from the Navy Department. This letter advised him toconfer with the maritime authorities of Bergen, and authorized him toimmediately organize an expedition to search for the missing "Viking. "

The professor did not want Joel or Hulda to know what he intended todo, so he merely told them that he must leave them for a few days toattend to some business matters. 

"Pray do not desert us, Mister Sylvius, " said the poor girl. 

"Desert you--you, whom I regard as my own children!" replied SylviusHogg. 

Joel offered to accompany him, but not wishing him to know that he wasgoing to Bergen, the professor would only allow him to go as far asMoel. Besides, it would not do for Hulda to be left alone with hermother. After being confined to her bed several days, she was nowbeginning to sit up a little, though she was still very weak and notable to leave her room. 

At eleven o'clock the kariol was at the door of the inn, and afterbidding Hulda good-bye, the professor took his seat in the vehiclebeside Joel. In another minute they had both disappeared behind alarge clump of birches at the turn in the road. 

That same evening Joel returned to Dal. 

END OF FIRST HALF. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Meanwhile, Sylvius Hogg was hastening toward Bergen. His tenaciousnature and energetic character, though daunted for a moment, were nowreasserting themselves. He refused to credit Ole's death, nor wouldhe admit that Hulda was doomed never to see her lover again. No, untilthe fact was established beyond a doubt, he was determined to regardthe report as false. 

But had he any information which would serve as a basis for the taskhe was about to undertake in Bergen? Yes, though we must admit thatthe clew was of a very vague nature. 

He knew merely the date on which the bottle had been cast into the seaby Ole Kamp, and the date and locality in which it had been recoveredfrom the waves. He had learned those facts through the letter justreceived from the Naval Department, the letter which had decided himto leave for Bergen immediately, in order that he might consult withHelp Bros. , and with the most experienced seamen of that port. 

The journey was made as quickly as possible. On reaching Moel, SylviusHogg sent his companion back with the kariol, and took passage uponone of the birch-bark canoes that are used in traversing the waters ofLake Finn. Then, at Tinoset, instead of turning his steps toward thesouth--that is to say, in the direction of Bamble--he hired anotherkariol, and took the Hardanger route, in order to reach the gulf ofthat name in the shortest possible time. From there, a little steamercalled the "Run" transported him to the mouth of the gulf, andfinally, after crossing a network of fiords and inlets, between theislands and islets that stud the Norwegian coast, he landed at Bergenon the morning of the second of July. 

This old city, laved by the waters of both the Logne and Hardanger, is delightfully situated in a picturesque region which would bear astriking resemblance to Switzerland if an artificial arm of the seashould ever conduct the waters of the blue Mediterranean to the footof the Alps. 

A magnificent avenue of ash trees leads to the town. 

The houses, with their fantastic, pointed gables, are as dazzlingin their whiteness as the habitations of Arabian cities, and are allcongregated in an irregular triangle that contains a populationof about thirty thousand souls. Its churches date from the twelfthcentury. Its tall cathedral is visible from afar to vessels returningfrom sea, and it is the capital of commercial Norway, thoughsituated off the regular lines of travel, and a long distancefrom the two cities which rank first and second in the kingdom, politically--Christiania and Drontheim. 

Under any other circumstances the professor would have taken greatpleasure in studying this important city, which is Dutch rather thanNorwegian in its aspect and manners. It had been one of the citiesincluded in his original route, but since his adventure on theMaristien and his subsequent sojourn at Dal, his plans had undergoneimportant changes. 

Sylvius Hogg was no longer the traveling deputy, anxious to ascertainthe exact condition of the country from a commercial as well as apolitical point of view. He was the guest of the Hansens, the debtorof Joel and Hulda, whose interests now outweighed all else in hisestimation--a debtor who was resolved to pay his debt of gratitude atany cost, though he felt that what he was about to attempt for themwas but a trifle. 

On his arrival in Bergen, Sylvius Hogg landed at the lower end ofthe town, on the wharf used as a fish-market, but he lost no time inrepairing to the part of the town known as the Tyske Bodrone quarter, where Help, Junior, of the house of Help Bros. , resided. 

It was raining, of course, for rain falls in Bergen on at least threehundred and sixty days of every year; but it would be impossibleto find a house better protected against the wind and rain than thehospitable mansion of Help, Junior, and nowhere could Sylvius Hogghave received a warmer and more cordial welcome. His friend tookpossession of him very much as if he had been some precious bale ofmerchandise which had been consigned to his care, and which would bedelivered up only upon the presentation of a formal order. 

Sylvius Hogg immediately made known the object of his visit to Help, Junior. He inquired if any news had yet been received of the "Viking, "and if Bergen mariners were really of the opinion that she had gonedown with all on board. He also inquired if this probable shipwreck, which had plunged so many homes into mourning, had not led themaritime authorities to make some search for the missing vessel. 

"But where were they to begin?" replied Help, Junior. "They do noteven know where the shipwreck occurred. "

"True, my dear Help, and for that very reason they should endeavor toascertain. "

"But how?"

"Why, though they do not know where the 'Viking' foundered, theycertainly know where the bottle was picked up by the Danish vessel. Sowe have one valuable clew which it would be very wrong to ignore. "

"Where was it?"

"Listen, my dear Help, and I will tell you. "

Sylvius Hogg then apprised his friend of the important informationwhich had just been received through the Naval Department, and thefull permission given him to utilize it. 

The bottle containing Ole Kamp's lottery-ticket had been picked up onthe third of June, about two hundred miles south of Iceland, by theschooner "Christian, " of Elsineur, Captain Mosselman, and the wind wasblowing strong from the south-east at the time. 

The captain had immediately examined the contents of the bottle, as itwas certainly his duty to do, inasmuch as he might-have rendered veryeffectual aid to the survivors of the "Viking" had he known wherethe catastrophe occurred; but the lines scrawled upon the back of thelottery-ticket gave no clew, so the "Christian" could not direct hercourse to the scene of the shipwreck. 

This Captain Mosselman was an honest man. Very possibly some lessscrupulous person would have kept the ticket; but he had only onethought--to transmit the ticket to the person to whom it was addressedas soon as he entered port. Hulda Hansen, of Dal, that was enough. Itwas not necessary to know any more. 

But on reaching Copenhagen, Captain Mosselman said to himself that itwould perhaps be better to transmit the document through the hands ofthe Danish authorities, instead of sending it straight to the personfor whom it was intended. This would be the safest, as well asthe regular way. He did so, and the Naval Department at Copenhagenpromptly notified the Naval Department at Christiania. 

Sylvius Hogg's letter, asking for information in regard to the"Viking, " had already been received, and the deep interest he took inthe Hansen family was well known. It was known, too, that he intendedto remain in Dal some time longer, so it was there that the ticketfound by the Danish sea-captain was sent, to be delivered into HuldaHansen's hands by the famous deputy. 

And ever since that time the public had taken a deep interest in theaffair, which had not been forgotten, thanks to the touching detailsgiven by the newspapers of both continents. 

Sylvius Hogg stated the case briefly to his friend Help, who listenedto him with the deepest interest, and without once interrupting him. He concluded his recital by saying:

"There is certainly one point about which there can be no possibledoubt: this is, that on the third day of June, about one month afterthe departure from Saint-Pierre-Miquelon, the ticket was picked up twohundred miles south-west of Iceland. "

"And that is all you know?"

"Yes, my dear Help, but by consulting some of the most experiencedmariners of Bergen, men who are familiar with that locality, with thegeneral direction of its winds, and, above-all, with its currents, will it not be a comparatively easy matter to decide upon the routefollowed by the bottle? Then, by calculating its probable speed, andthe time that elapsed before it was picked up, it certainly would notbe impossible to discover the spot at which it was cast into the seaby Ole Kamp, that is to say, the scene of the shipwreck. "

Help, Junior, shook his head with a doubting air. Would not any searchthat was based upon such vague indications as these be sure to prove afailure? The shipowner, being of a decided, cool and practical turnof mind, certainly thought so, and felt it his duty to say as much toSylvius Hogg. 

"Perhaps it may prove a failure, friend Help, " was the promptrejoinder; "but the fact that we have been able to secure only vagueinformation, is certainly no reason for abandoning the undertaking. Iam anxious that nothing shall be left undone for these poor people towhom I am indebted for my life. Yes, if need be, I would not hesitateto sacrifice all I possess to find Ole Kamp, and bring him safely backto his betrothed, Hulda Hansen. "

Then Sylvius Hogg proceeded to give a full account of his adventureon the Rjukanfos. He related the intrepid manner in which Joel and hissister had risked their own lives to save him, and how, but for theirtimely assistance, he would not have had the pleasure of being theguest of his friend Help that day. 

His friend Help, as we said before, was an eminently practical man, but he was not opposed to useless and even impossible efforts whena question "of humanity was involved, and he finally approved whatSylvius Hogg wished to attempt. 

"Sylvius, " he said, "I will assist you by every means in my power. Yes, you are right. However small the chance of finding some survivorof the 'Viking' may be, and especially of finding this brave Ole whosebetrothed saved your life, it must not be neglected. "

"No, Help, no, " interrupted the professor; "not if it were but onechance in a hundred thousand. "

"So this very day, Sylvius, I will assemble all the most experiencedseamen of Bergen in my office. I will send for all who have navigatedor who are now navigating the ocean between Iceland and Newfoundland, and we will see what they advise us to do. "

"And what they advise us to do we will do, " added Sylvius Hogg, without an instant's hesitation. "I have the approval of thegovernment. In fact, I am authorized to send one of its dispatch-boatsin search of the 'Viking, ' and I feel sure that no one will hesitateto take part in such a work. "

"I will pay a visit to the marine bureau, and see what I can learnthere, " remarked Help, Junior. 

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

"It is not necessary, and you must be fatigued. "

"Fatigued! I--at my age?"

"Nevertheless, you had better rest until my return, my dear andever-young Sylvius. "

That same day there was a large meeting of captains of merchant andwhaling vessels, as well as pilots, in the office of Help Bros. --anassemblage of men who were still navigating the seas, as well as ofthose who had retired from active service. 

Sylvius Hogg explained the situation briefly but clearly. He told themthe date--May 3d--on which the bottle had been cast into the sea byOle Kamp, and the date--June 3d--on which it had been picked up by theDanish captain, two hundred miles south-west of Iceland. 

The discussion that followed was long and serious. There was not oneof these brave men who were not familiar with the currents of thatlocality, and upon the direction of these currents they must, ofcourse, chiefly depend for a solution of the problem. 

But it was an incontestable fact that at the time of the shipwreck, and during the interval that elapsed between the sailing of the"Viking" from Saint-Pierre-Miquelon, and the discovery of the bottleby the Danish vessel, constant gales from the south-east had disturbedthat portion of the Atlantic. In fact, it was to one of these tempeststhat the catastrophe must be attributed. Probably the "Viking, " beingunable to carry sail in the teeth of the tempest, had been obliged toscud before the windy and it being at this season of the year that theice from the polar seas begins to make its way down into the Atlantic, it was more than likely that a collision had taken place, and thatthe "Viking" had been crushed by a floating iceberg, which it wasimpossible to avoid. 

Still, in that case, was it not more than probable that the whole, or a part, of the ship's crew had taken refuge upon one of these icefields after having placed a quantity of provisions upon it? If theyhad really done so, the iceberg, having certainly been driven in anorth-westerly direction by the winds which were prevailing at thetime, it was not unlikely that the survivors had been able to reachsome point on the coast of Greenland, so it was in that direction, andin those seas, that search should be made. 

This was the unanimous opinion of these experienced mariners, andthere could be no doubt that this was the only feasible plan. Butwould they find aught save a few fragments of the "Viking" in case thevessel had been crushed by some enormous iceberg? Could they hope toeffect the rescue of any survivors?

This was more than doubtful, and the professor on putting the questionperceived that the more competent could not, or would not, reply. Still, this was no cause for inaction--they were all agreed upon thatpoint--but action must be taken without delay. 

There are always several government vessels at Bergen, and one ofthe three dispatch-boats charged with the surveillance of the westerncoast of Norway is attached to this port. As good luck would have it, that very boat was now riding at anchor in the bay. 

After making a note of the various suggestions advanced by the mostexperienced seamen who had assembled at the office of Help, Junior, Sylvius Hogg went aboard the dispatch-boat "Telegraph, " and apprisedthe commander of the special mission intrusted to him by thegovernment. 

The commander received him very cordially, and declared hiswillingness to render all the assistance in his power. He had becomefamiliar with the navigation of the locality specified during severallong and dangerous voyages from the Loffoden Islands and Finmark tothe Iceland and Newfoundland fisheries; so he would have experienceto aid him in the humane work he was about to undertake, as he fullyagreed with the seamen already consulted that it was in the watersbetween Iceland and Greenland that they must look for the survivors, or at least for some trace of the "Viking. " If he did not succeedthere, he would, however, explore the neighboring shores, and perhapsthe eastern part of Baffin's Bay. 

"I am all ready to start, sir, " he added. "My coal and provisionsare on board, my crew has been selected, and I can set sail this veryday. "

"Thank you, captain, " replied the professor, "not only for yourpromptness, but for the very kind reception you have given me. But onequestion more: Can you tell me how long it will take you to reach theshores of Greenland?"

"My vessel makes about eleven knots an hour, and as the distance fromBergen to Greenland is only about twenty degrees, I can count uponarriving there in less than a week. "

"Make all possible haste, captain, " replied Sylvius Hogg. "If anyof the shipwrecked crew did survive the catastrophe, two months havealready elapsed since the vessel went down, and they are perhaps in adestitute and even famishing condition upon some desert coast. "

"Yes, there is no time to lose, Monsieur Hogg. I will start this veryday, keep my vessel going at the top of her speed, and as soon asI find any trace whatever I will inform the Naval Department atChristiania by a telegram from Newfoundland. "

"God-speed you, captain, " replied Sylvius Hogg, "and may you succeed. "

That same day the "Telegraph" set sail, followed by the sympathizingcheers of the entire population of Bergen, and it was not without keenemotion that the kind-hearted people watched the vessel make its waydown the channel, and finally disappear behind the islands of thefiord. 

But Sylvius Hogg did not confine his efforts to the expeditionundertaken by the dispatch-boat "Telegraph. " On the contrary, he wasresolved to multiply the chances of finding some trace of the missing"Viking. " Would it not be possible to excite a spirit of emulation inthe captains of merchant vessels and fishing-smacks that navigated thewaters of Iceland and the Faroe Islands? Unquestionably. So a rewardof two thousand marks was promised in the name of the government toany vessel that would furnish any information in regard to the missing"Viking, " and one of five thousand marks to any vessel that wouldbring one of the survivors of the shipwreck back to his native land. 

So, during the two days spent in Bergen Sylvius Hogg did everythingin his power to insure the success of the enterprise, and he wascheerfully seconded in his efforts by Help, Junior, and all themaritime authorities. M. Help would have been glad to have the worthydeputy as a guest some time longer, but though Sylvius Hogg thankedhim cordially he declined to prolong his stay. He was anxious torejoin Hulda and Joel, being afraid to leave them to themselves toolong, but Help, Junior, promised him that any news that might bereceived should be promptly transmitted to Dal. 

So, on the morning of the 4th, after taking leave of his friendHelp, Sylvius Hogg re-embarked on the "Run" to cross the fiord of theHardanger, and if nothing unforeseen occurred he counted on reachingthe Telemark by the evening of the 5th. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The day that Sylvius Hogg left Bergen proved an eventful one at theinn. 

After the professor's departure the house seemed deserted. It almostseemed as if the kind friend of the young Hansens had taken away withhim, not only the last hope, but the life of the family, and left onlya charnel-house behind him. 

During the two days that followed no guests presented themselves atthe inn. Joel had no occasion to absent himself, consequently, butcould remain with Hulda, whom he was very unwilling to leave alonewith her own thoughts. 

Dame Hansen seemed to become more and more a prey to secret anxiety. She seemed to feel no interest in anything connected with herchildren, not even in the loss of the "Viking. " She lived a lifeapart, remaining shut up in her own room, and appearing only atmeal-time. When she did address a word to Hulda or Joel it was onlyto reproach them directly or indirectly on the subject of thelottery-ticket, which neither of them felt willing to dispose ofat any price. Offers for the ticket continued to pour in from everycorner of the globe. A positive mania seemed to have seized certainbrains. Such a ticket must certainly be predestined to win the prizeof one hundred thousand marks--there could be no doubt of it, so saidevery one. A person would have supposed there was but one ticket inthe lottery, and that the number of it was 9672. The Manchester manand the Bostonian were still at the head of the list. The Englishmanhad outbid his rival by a few pounds, but he, in turn, was soondistanced by an advance of several hundred dollars. The last bid wasone of eight thousand marks--and it could be explained only as theresult of positive madness, unless it was a question of national prideon this part of an American and an Englishman. 

However this may have been Hulda refused all these offers, and herconduct excited the bitter disapproval of Dame Hansen. 

"What if I should order you to sell this ticket? Yes, order you tosell it, " she said to her daughter one day. 

"I should be very sorry, mother, but I should be obliged to refuse. "

"But if it should become absolutely necessary, what then?"

"But how can that be possible?" asked Joel. 

Dame Hansen made no reply. She had turned very pale on hearing thisstraightforward question, and now withdrew, muttering some incoherentwords. 

"There is certainly something wrong, " remarked Joel. "There must besome difficulty between mother and Sandgoist. "

"Yes, brother, we must be prepared for some serious complications inthe future. "

"Have we not suffered enough during the past few weeks, my poor Hulda?What fresh catastrophe threatens us?"

"How long Monsieur Sylvius stays!" exclaimed Hulda, without payingany apparent heed to the question. "When he is here I feel lessdespondent. "

"And yet, what can he do for us?" replied Joel. 

What could there have been in Dame Hansen's past that she wasunwilling to confide to her children? What foolish pride prevented herfrom revealing to them the cause of her disquietude? Had she any realcause to reproach herself? And on the other hand, why did she endeavorto influence her daughter in regard to Ole Kamp's ticket, and theprice that was to be set upon it? Why did she seem so eager to disposeof it, or rather, to secure the money that had been offered for it?Hulda and Joel were about to learn. 

On the morning of the 4th Joel escorted his sister to the littlechapel where she went every morning to pray for the lost one. Herbrother always waited for her, and accompanied her back to the house. 

That day, on returning, they both perceived Dame Hansen in thedistance, walking rapidly in the direction of the inn. She was notalone. A man was walking beside her--a man who seemed to be talking ina loud voice, and whose gestures were vehement and imperious. 

Hulda and her brother both paused suddenly. 

"Who is that man?" inquired Joel. 

Hulda advanced a few steps. 

"I know him, " she said at last. 

"You know him?"

"Yes, it is Sandgoist. "

"Sandgoist, of Drammen, who came here during my absence?"

"Yes. "

"And who acted in such a lordly way that he would seem to have mother, and us, too, perhaps, in his power?"

"The same, brother; and he has probably come to make us feel his powerto-day. "

"What power? This time I will know the object of his visit. "

Joel controlled himself, though not without an evident effort, andfollowed his sister. 

In a few moments Dame Hansen and Sandgoist reached the door of theinn. Sandgoist crossed the threshold first; then the door closed uponDame Hansen and upon him, and both of them entered the large parlor. 

As Joel and Hulda approached the house the threatening voice ofSandgoist became distinctly audible. They paused and listened; DameHansen was speaking now, but in entreating tones. 

"Let us go in, " remarked Joel. 

Hulda entered with a heavy heart; Joel was trembling with suppressedanger and impatience. 

Sandgoist sat enthroned in the big arm-chair. He did not even take thetrouble to rise on the entrance of the brother and sister. He merelyturned his head and stared at them over his spectacles. 

"Ah! here is the charming Hulda, if I'm not mistaken, " he exclaimed ina tone that incensed Joel even more deeply. 

Dame Hansen was standing in front of the man in an humble almostcringing attitude, but she instantly straightened herself up, andseemed greatly annoyed at the sight of her children. 

"And this is her brother, I suppose?" added Sandgoist. 

"Yes, her brother, " retorted Joel. 

Then, advancing until within a few steps of the arm-chair, he asked, brusquely:

"What do you want here?"

Sandgoist gave him a withering look; then, in a harsh voice, andwithout rising, he replied:

"You will soon learn, young man. You happen in just at the right time. I was anxious to see you, and if your sister is a sensible girl weshall soon come to an understanding. But sit down, and you, too, youngwoman, had better do the same. "

Sandgoist seemed to be doing the honors of his own house, and Joelinstantly noted the fact. 

"Ah, ha! you are displeased! What a touchy young man you seem to be!"

"I am not particularly touchy that I know of, but I don't feelinclined to accept civilities from those who have no right to offerthem. "

"Joel!" cried Dame Hansen. 

"Brother, brother!" exclaimed Hulda, with an imploring look. 

Joel made a violent effort to control himself, and to prevent himselffrom yielding to his desire to throw this coarse wretch out of thewindow, he retired to a corner of the room. 

"Can I speak now?" inquired Sandgoist. 

An affirmative sign from Dame Hansen was all the answer he obtained, but it seemed to be sufficient. 

"What I have to say is this, " he began, "and I would like all three ofyou to listen attentively, for I don't fancy being obliged to repeatmy words. "

That he spoke like a person who had an indisputable right to his ownway was only too evident to each and every member of the party. 

"I have learned through the newspapers, " he continued, "of themisfortune which has befallen a certain Ole Kamp--a young seaman ofBergen--and of a lottery-ticket that he bequeathed to his betrothed, Hulda Hansen, just as his ship, the 'Viking, ' was going down. I havealso learned that the public at large feels convinced that this willprove the fortunate ticket by reason of the peculiar circumstancesunder which it was found. I have also learned that some very liberaloffers for the purchase of this ticket have been received by HuldaHansen. "

He was silent for a moment, then:

"Is this true?" he added. 

He was obliged to wait some time for an answer to this question. 

"Yes, it is true, " replied Joel, at last. "And what of it, if youplease?"

"These offers are, in my opinion, the result of a most absurd andsenseless superstition, " continued Sandgoist, "but for all that, they will continue to be made, and to increase in amount, as the dayappointed for the drawing approaches. Now, I am a business man myself, and I have taken it into my head that I should like to have a hand inthis little speculation myself, so I left Drammen yesterday to come toDal to arrange for the transfer of this ticket, and to beg Dame Hansento give me the preference over all other would-be purchasers. "

Hulda was about to make Sandgoist the same answer she had given toall offers of this kind, though his remarks had not been addresseddirectly to her, when Joel checked her. 

"Before replying, I should like to ask Monsieur Sandgoist if he knowsto whom this ticket belongs?" he said haughtily. 

"To Hulda Hansen, I suppose. "

"Very well; then it is to Hulda Hansen that this application should beaddressed. "

"My son!" hastily interposed Dame Hansen. 

"Let me finish, mother, " continued Joel. "This ticket belongedoriginally to our cousin, Ole Kamp, and had not Ole Kamp a perfectright to bequeath it to his betrothed?"

"Unquestionably, " replied Sandgoist. 

"Then it is to Hulda Hanson that you must apply, if you wish topurchase it. "

"So be it, Master Formality, " retorted Sandgoist. "I now ask Hulda tosell me this ticket Number 9672 that Ole Kamp bequeathed to her. "

"Monsieur Sandgoist, " the young girl answered in firm but quiet tones, "I have received a great many offers for this ticket, but they havebeen made in vain. I shall say to you exactly what I have said toothers. If my betrothed sent me this ticket with his last farewellupon it it was because he wished me to keep it, so I will not partwith it at any price. "

Having said this Hulda turned, as if to leave the room, evidentlysupposing that the conversation so far as she was concerned hadbeen terminated by her refusal, but at a gesture from her mother shepaused. 

An exclamation of annoyance had escaped Dame Hansen, and Sandgoist'sknitted brows and flashing eyes showed that anger was beginning totake possession of him. 

"Yes, remain, Hulda, " said he. "This is not your final answer. If Iinsist it is because I certainly have a right to do so. Besides, I think I must have stated the case badly, or rather you must havemisunderstood me. It is certain that the chances of this ticket havenot increased because the hand of a shipwrecked seaman placed it in abottle and it was subsequently recovered; still, the public seldom ornever reasons, and there is not the slightest doubt that many personsdesire to become the owners of it. They have already offered topurchase it, and other offers are sure to follow. It is simply abusiness transaction, I repeat, and I have come to propose a goodtrade to you. "

"You will have some difficulty in coming to an understanding with mysister, sir, " replied Joel, ironically. "When you talk business to hershe replies with sentiment. "

"That is all idle talk, young man, " replied Sandgoist. "When myexplanation is concluded you will see that however advantageous thetransaction may be to me it will be equally so to her. I may alsoadd that it will be equally so to her mother, Dame Hansen, who ispersonally interested in the matter. "

Joel and Hulda exchanged glances. Were they about to learn the secretDame Hansen had so long concealed from them?

"I do not ask that this ticket shall be sold to me for what OleKamp paid for it, " continued Sandgoist. No! Right or wrong, it hascertainly acquired an increased financial value, and I am willing tomake a sacrifice to become the owner of it. "

"You have already been told that Hulda has refused much better offersthan yours, " replied Joel. 

"Indeed!" exclaimed Sandgoist. "Much better offers, you say. How doyou know?"

"Whatever your offer may be, my sister refuses it, and I approve ofher decision. "

"Ah! am I dealing with Joel or Hulda Hansen, pray?"

"My sister and I are one, " retorted Joel. "It would be well for you tobecome satisfied of this fact, as you seem to be ignorant of it. "

Sandgoist shrugged his shoulders, but without being at alldisconcerted, for like a man who is sure of his arguments, he replied:

"When I spoke of the price I was willing to pay for the ticket, Iought to have told you that I could offer inducements which HuldaHansen can hardly reject if she takes any interest in the welfare ofher family. "

"Indeed?"

"Yes, and it would be well for you, young man, to understand, in yourturn, that I did not come to Dal to beg your sister to sell me thisticket. No, a thousand times no. "

"For what, then?"

"I do not ask for it, I demand it. I will have it. "

"And by what right?" exclaimed Joel, "and how dare you, a stranger, speak in this way in my mother's house?"

"By the right every man has to speak as he pleases, and when hepleases, in his own house, " retorted Sandgoist. 

"In his own house?"

Joel, in his indignation, stepped threateningly toward Sandgoist, who, though not easily frightened, sprung hastily out of his arm-chair. ButHulda laid a detaining hand upon her brother's arm, while Dame Hansen, burying her face in her hands, retreated to the other end of the room. 

"Brother, look at her!" whispered the young girl. 

Joel paused suddenly. A glance at his mother paralyzed him. Her veryattitude revealed how entirely Dame Hansen was in this scoundrel'spower. 

Sandgoist, seeing Joel's hesitation, recovered his self-possession, and resumed his former seat. 

"Yes, in his own house, " he continued in a still more arrogant voice. "Ever since her husband's death, Dame Hansen has been engaging inunsuccessful speculations. After losing the small fortune your fatherleft at his death, she was obliged to borrow money of a Christianiabanker, offering this house as security for a loan of fifteen thousandmarks. About a year ago I purchased the mortgage, and this house willconsequently become my property--and very speedily--if I am not paidwhen this mortgage becomes due. "

"When is it due?" demanded Joel. 

"On the 20th of July, or eighteen days from now, " replied Sandgoist. "Then, whether you like it or not, I shall be in my own house here. "

"You will not be in your own house here until that date, even if youare not paid at that time, " retorted Joel, "and I forbid you to speakas you have been doing in the presence of my mother and sister. "

"He forbids me--me!" exclaimed Sandgoist. "But how about hismother--what does she say?"

"Speak, mother!" cried Joel, approaching Dame Hansen, and endeavoringto remove her hands from her face. 

"Joel, my brother, " exclaimed Hulda. "I entreat you, for my sake, tobe calm. "

Dame Hansen bowed her head upon her breast, not daring to meether son's searching eyes. It was only too true that she had beenendeavoring to increase her fortune by rash speculations for severalyears past. The small sum of money at her disposal had soon meltedaway, and she had been obliged to borrow at a high rate of interest. And now the mortgage had passed into the hands of this Sandgoist--aheartless and unprincipled man--a well-known usurer, who was heartilydespised throughout the country. Dame Hansen, however, had seen himfor the first time when he came to Dal to satisfy himself in regard tothe value of the property. 

This was the secret that had weighed so heavily upon her. This, too, explained her reserve, for she had not dared to confide in herchildren. This was the secret she had sedulously kept from those whosefuture she had blighted. 

Hulda scarcely dared to think of what she had just heard. Yes, Sandgoist was indeed a master who had the power to enforce his will!The ticket he wished to purchase would probably be worth nothing afortnight hence, and if she did not consent to relinquish it certainruin would follow--their house would be sold over their heads, and theHansen family would be homeless and penniless. 

Hulda dared not even glance at Joel, but Joel was too angry to pay anyheed to these threats. He could think only of Sandgoist, and if theman continued to talk in this way the impetuous youth felt that heshould not be able to control himself much longer. 

Sandgoist, seeing that he had once more become master of thesituation, grew even more arrogant and imperious in his manner. 

"I want that ticket, and I intend to have it, " he repeated. "Inexchange for it I offer no fixed price, but I promise to extend themortgage for one--two, or three years--Fix the date yourself, Hulda. "

Hulda's heart was so deeply oppressed with anguish that she was unableto reply, but her brother answered for her. 

"Ole Kamp's ticket can not be sold by Hulda Hansen. My sister refusesyour offer, in spite of your threats. Now leave the house!"

"Leave the house, " repeated Sandgoist. "I shall do nothing of thekind. If the offer I have made does not satisfy you I will go evenfurther. In exchange for the ticket I offer you--I offer you--"

Sandgoist must certainly have felt an irresistible desire to possessthis ticket--or at least he most have been convinced that the purchasewould prove a most advantageous one to him, for he seated himself ata table upon which lay pen, ink, and paper, and a moment afterward headded:

"Here is what I offer. "

It was a receipt for the amount of Dame Hansen's indebtedness--areceipt for the amount of the mortgage on the Dal property. 

Dame Hansen cowered in her corner, with hands outstretched, and eyesfixed imploringly on her daughter. 

"And now give me the ticket, " cried Sandgoist, "I want it to-day--thisvery instant. I will not leave Dal without it"

As he spoke he stepped hastily toward the poor girl as if with theintention of searching her pockets, and wresting the ticket from her. 

This was more than Joel could endure, especially when he heard Hulda'sstartled cry of "Brother! brother!"

"Get out of here!" he shouted, roughly. And seeing that Sandgoistshowed no intention of obeying, the young man was about to spring uponhim, when Hulda hastily interposed. 

"Here is the ticket, mother, " she cried. 

Dame Hansen seized it, and as she exchanged it for Sandgoist's receipther daughter sunk, almost fainting, into an arm-chair. 

"Hulda! Hulda! Oh, what have you done?" cried Joel. 

"What has she done, " replied Dame Hansen. "Yes, I am guilty--formy children's sake I wished to increase the property left by theirfather, but instead I have reduced them to poverty. But Hulda hassaved us all. That is what she has done. Thank you, Hulda, thank you. "

Sandgoist still lingered. Joel perceived the fact. 

"You are here still, " he continued, roughly. And springing uponSandgoist he seized him by the shoulders and hustled him out-of-doorsin spite of his protests and resistance. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Sylvius Hogg reached Dal on the evening of the following day. He didnot say a word about his journey, and no one knew that he had been toBergen. As long as the search was productive of no results he wishedthe Hansen family to remain in ignorance of it. Every letter ortelegram, whether from Bergen or Christiania, was to be addressed tohim, at the inn, where he intended to await further developments. Did he still hope? Yes, though it must be admitted that he had somemisgivings. 

As soon as he returned the professor became satisfied that someimportant event had occurred in his absence. The altered manner ofJoel and Hulda showed conclusively that an explanation must have takenplace between their mother and themselves. Had some new misfortunesbefallen the Hansen household?

All this of course troubled Sylvius Hogg greatly. He felt such apaternal affection for the brother and sister that he could not havebeen more fond of them if they had been his own children. How much hehad missed them during his short absence. 

"They will tell me all by and by, " he said to himself. "They will haveto tell me all. Am I not a member of the family?"

Yes; Sylvius Hogg felt now that he had an undoubted right to beconsulted in regard to everything connected with the private life ofhis young friends, and to know why Joel and Hulda seemed even moreunhappy than at the time of his departure. The mystery was soonsolved. 

In fact both the young people were anxious to confide in the excellentman whom they loved with a truly filial devotion, but they werewaiting for him to question them. During his absence they had feltlonely and forsaken--the more so from the fact that Sylvius Hogg hadnot seen fit to tell them where he was going. Never had the hoursseemed so long. It never once occurred to them that the journey wasin any way connected with a search for the "Viking, " and thatSylvius Hogg had concealed the fact from them in order to spare themadditional disappointment in case of failure. 

And now how much more necessary his presence seemed to have become tothem! How glad they were to see him, to listen to his words of counseland hear his kind and encouraging voice. But would they ever dare totell him what had passed between them and the Drammen usurer, andhow Dame Hansen had marred the prospects of her children? What wouldSylvius Hogg say when he learned that the ticket was no longer inHulda's possession, and when he heard that Dame Hansen had used it tofree herself from her inexorable creditor?

He was sure to learn these facts, however. Whether it was Sylvius Hoggor Hulda that first broached the subject, it would be hard to say, nordoes it matter much. This much is certain, however, the professor soonbecame thoroughly acquainted with the situation of affairs. He wastold of the danger that had threatened Dame Hansen and her children, and how the usurer would have driven them from their old home ina fortnight if the debt had not been paid by the surrender of theticket. 

Sylvius Hogg listened attentively to this sad story. 

"You should not have given up the ticket, " he cried, vehemently; "no, you should not have done it. "

"How could I help it, Monsieur Sylvius?" replied the poor girl, greatly troubled. 

"You could not, of course, and yet--Ah, if I had only been here!"

And what would Professor Sylvius Hogg have done had he been there? Hedid not say, however, but continued:

"Yes, my dear Hulda; yes, Joel, you did the best you could, under thecircumstances. But what enrages me almost beyond endurance is thefact that this Sandgoist will profit greatly, no doubt, by this absurdsuperstition on the part of the public. If poor Ole's ticket shouldreally prove to be the lucky one this unprincipled scoundrel willreap all the benefit. And yet, to suppose that this number, 9672, will necessarily prove the lucky one, is simply ridiculous and absurd. Still, I would not have given up the ticket, I think. After oncerefusing to surrender it to Sandgoist Hulda would have done better toturn a deaf ear to her mother's entreaties. "

The brother and sister could find nothing to say in reply. In givingthe ticket to Dame Hansen, Hulda had been prompted by a filialsentiment that was certainly to be commended rather than censured. Thesacrifice she had made was not one of more or less probable chance, but of Ole Kamp's last wishes and of her last memento of her lover. 

But it was too late to think of this now. Sandgoist had the ticket. It belonged to him, and he would sell it to the highest bidder. Aheartless usurer would thus coin money out of the touching farewell ofthe shipwrecked mariner. Sylvius Hogg could not bear the thought. Itwas intolerable to him. 

He resolved to have a talk with Dame Hansen on the subject that veryday. This conversation could effect no change in the state of affairs, but it had become almost necessary. 

"So you think I did wrong, Monsieur Hogg?" she asked, after allowingthe professor to say all he had to say on the subject. 

"Certainly, Dame Hansen. "

"If you blame me for having engaged in rash speculations, and forendangering the fortune of my children, you are perfectly right; butif you blame me for having resorted to the means I did to free myself, you are wrong. What have you to say in reply?"

"Nothing. "

"But seriously, do you think that I ought to have refused the offer ofSandgoist, who really offered fifteen thousand marks for a ticket thatis probably worth nothing; I ask you again, do you think I ought tohave refused it?"

"Yes and no, Dame Hansen. "

"It can not be both yes and no, professor; it is no. Under differentcircumstances, and if the future had appeared less threatening--thoughthat was my own fault, I admit--I should have upheld Hulda in herrefusal to part with the ticket she had received from Ole Kamp. Butwhen there was a certainty of being driven in a few days from thehouse in which my husband died, and in which my children first sawthe light, I could not understand such a refusal, and you yourself, Monsieur Hogg, had you been in my place, would certainly have acted asI did. "

"No, Dame Hansen, no!"

"What would you have done, then?"

"I would have done anything rather than sacrifice a ticket my daughterhad received under such circumstances. "

"Do these circumstances, in your opinion, enhance the value of theticket?"

"No one can say. "

"On the contrary, every one does know. This ticket is simply one thathas nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-ninechances of losing against one of winning. Do you consider it any morevaluable because it was found in a bottle that was picked up at sea?"

Sylvius Hogg hardly knew what to say in reply to this straightforwardquestion, so he reverted to the sentimental side of the question byremarking:

"The situation now seems to be briefly as follows: Ole Kamp, as theship went down, bequeathed to Hulda the sole earthly possession lefthim, with the request that she should present it on the day of thedrawing, provided, of course, that the ticket reached her; and nowthis ticket is no longer in Hulda's possession. "

"If Ole Kamp had been here, he would not have hesitated to surrenderhis ticket to Sandgoist, " replied Dame Hansen. 

"That is quite possible, " replied Sylvius Hogg; "but certainly noother person had a right to do it, and what will you say to him if hehas not perished and if he should return to-morrow, or this very day?"

"Ole will never return, " replied Dame Hansen, gloomily. "Ole is dead, Monsieur Hogg, dead, beyond a doubt. "

"You can not be sure of that, Dame Hansen, " exclaimed the professor. "In fact, you know nothing at all about it. Careful search is beingmade for some survivor of the shipwreck. It may prove successful; yes, even before the time appointed for the drawing of this lottery. Youhave no right to say that Ole Kamp is dead, so long as we have noproof that he perished in the catastrophe. The reason I speak withless apparent assurance before your children is that I do not want toarouse hopes that may end in bitter disappointment. But to you, DameHansen, I can say what I really think, and I can not, I will notbelieve that Ole Kamp is dead! No, I will not believe it!"

Finding herself thus worsted, Dame Hansen ceased to argue thequestion, and this Norwegian, being rather superstitious in her secretheart, hung her head as if Ole Kamp was indeed about to appear beforeher. 

"At all events, before parting with the ticket, " continued SylviusHogg, "there was one very simple thing that you neglected to do. "

"What?"

"You should first have applied to your personal friends or the friendsof your family. They would not have refused to assist you, either bypurchasing the mortgage of Sandgoist, or by loaning you the money topay it. "

"I have no friends of whom I could ask such a favor. "

"Yes, you have, Dame Hansen. I know at least one person who would havedone it without the slightest hesitation. "

"And who is that, if you please?"

"Sylvius Hogg, member of the Storthing. "

Dame Hansen, too deeply moved to reply in words, bowed her thanks tothe professor. 

"But what's done can't be undone, unfortunately, " added Sylvius Hogg, "and I should be greatly obliged to you, Dame Hansen, if youwould refrain from saying anything to your children about thisconversation. "

And the two separated. 

The professor had resumed his former habits, and his daily walks aswell. In company with Joel and Hulda, he spent several hours everyday in visiting the points of interest in and about Dal--not going toofar, however, for fear of wearying the young girl. Much of his time, too, was devoted to his extensive correspondence. He wrote letterafter letter to Bergen and Christiania, stimulating the zeal all whowere engaged in the good work of searching for the "Viking. " To findOle seemed to be his sole aim in life now. 

He even felt it his duty to again absent himself for twenty-fourhours, doubtless for an object in some way connected with the affairin which Dame Hansen's family was so deeply interested; but, asbefore, he maintained absolute silence in regard to what he was doingor having done in this matter. 

In the meantime Hulda regained strength but slowly. The poor girllived only upon the recollection of Ole; and her hope of seeing himagain grew fainter from day to day. It is true, she had near her thetwo beings she loved best in the world; and one of them never ceasedto encourage her; but would that suffice? Was it not necessary todivert her mind at any cost? But how was her mind to be diverted fromthe gloomy thoughts that bound her, as it were, to the shipwrecked"Viking?"

The 12th of July came. The drawing of the Christiania Schools Lotterywas to take place in four days. 

It is needless to say that Sandgoist's purchase had come to theknowledge of the public. The papers announced that the famous ticketbearing the number 9672 was now in the possession of M. Sandgoist, ofDrammen, and that this ticket would be sold to the highest bidder;so, if M. Sandgoist was now the owner of the aforesaid ticket, he musthave purchased it for a round sum of Hulda Hansen. 

Of course this announcement lowered the young girl very decidedly inpublic estimation. What! Hulda Hansen had consented to sell the ticketbelonging to her lost lover? She had turned this last memento of himinto money?

But a timely paragraph that appeared in the "Morgen-Blad" gave thereaders a true account of what had taken place. It described the realnature of Sandgoist's interference, and how the ticket had come intohis hands. And now it was upon the Drammen usurer that public odiumfell; upon the heartless creditor who had not hesitated to takeadvantage of the misfortunes of the Hansen family, and as if by commonconsent the offers which had been made while Hulda held the ticketwere not renewed. The ticket seemed to have lost its supernaturalvalue since it had been defiled by Sandgoist's touch, so that worthyhad made but a bad bargain, after all, and the famous ticket, No. 9672, appeared likely to be left on his hands. 

It is needless to say that neither Hulda nor Joel was aware of whathad been said, and this was fortunate, for it would have been verypainful to them to become publicly mixed up in an affair which hadassumed such a purely speculative character since it came into thehands of the usurer. 

Late on the afternoon of the 12th of July, a letter arrived, addressedto Professor Sylvius Hogg. 

This missive, which came from the Naval Department, contained anotherwhich had been mailed at Christiansand, a small town situated at themouth of the Gulf of Christiania. It could hardly have contained anynews, however, for Sylvius Hogg put it in his pocket and said nothingto Joel or his sister about its contents. 

But when he bade them good-night on retiring to his chamber, heremarked:

"The drawing of the lottery is to take place in three days as you are, of course, aware, my children. You intend to be present, do you not?"

"What is the use, Monsieur Sylvius?" responded Hulda. 

"But Ole wished his betrothed to witness it. In fact, he particularlyrequested it in the last lines he ever wrote, and I think his wishesshould be obeyed. "

"But the ticket is no longer in Hulda's possession, " remarked Joel, "and we do not even know into whose hands it has passed. "

"Nevertheless, I think you both ought to accompany me to Christianiato attend the drawing, " replied the professor. 

"Do you really desire it, Monsieur Sylvius?" asked the young girl. 

"It is not I, my dear Hulda, but Ole who desires it, and Ole's wishesmust be respected. "

"Monsieur Sylvius is right, sister, " replied Joel. "Yes; you must go. When do you intend to start, Monsieur Sylvius?"

"To-morrow, at day-break, and may Saint Olaf protect us!"

CHAPTER XVI. 

The next morning Foreman Lengling's gayly painted kariol bore awaySylvius Hogg and Hulda, seated comfortably side by side. There was notroom for Joel, as we know already, so the brave fellow trudged alongon foot at the horse's head. 

The fourteen kilometers that lay between Dal and Moel had no terrorsfor this untiring walker. 

Their route lay along the left bank of the Maan, down the charmingvalley of the Vesfjorddal--a narrow, heavily wooded valley, watered bya thousand dashing cataracts. At each turn in the path, too, one sawappearing or disappearing the lofty summit of Gousta, with its twolarge patches of dazzling snow. 

The sky was cloudless, the weather magnificent, the air not too cool, nor the sun too warm. 

Strange to say, Sylvius Hogg's face seemed to have become more serenesince his departure from the inn, though it is not improbable thathis cheerfulness was a trifle forced, so anxious was he that this tripshould divert Joel and Hulda from their sorrowful thoughts. 

It took them only about two hours and a half to reach Moel, which issituated at the end of Lake Tinn. Here they were obliged to leave thekariol and take a small boat, for at this point a chain of small lakesbegins. The kariol paused near the little church, at the foot of awater-fall at least five hundred feet in height. This water-fall, which is visible for only about one fifth of its descent, loses itselfin a deep crevasse before being swallowed up by the lake. 

Two boatmen were standing on the shore beside a birch-bark canoe, sofragile and unstable that the slightest imprudence on the part of itsoccupants would inevitably overturn it. 

The lake was at its very best this beautiful morning. The sun hadabsorbed all the mist of the previous night, and no one could not haveasked for a more superb summer's day. 

"You are not tired, my good Joel?" inquired the professor, as healighted from the kariol. 

"No, Monsieur Sylvius. You forget that I am accustomed to long trampsthrough the Telemark. "

"That is true. Tell me, do you know the most direct route from Moel toChristiania?"

"Perfectly, sir. But I fear when we reach Tinoset, at the further endof the lake, we shall have some difficulty in procuring a kariol, aswe have not warned them of our intended arrival, as is customary inthis country. "

"Have no fears, my boy, " replied the professor: "I attended to that. You needn't be afraid that I have any intention of making you foot itfrom Dal to Christiania. "

"I could easily do it if necessary, " remarked Joel. 

"But it will not be necessary, fortunately. Now suppose we go over ourroute again. "

"Well, once at Tinoset, Monsieur Sylvius, we for a time follow theshores of Lake Fol, passing through Vik and Bolkesko, so as to reachMose, and afterward Kongsberg, Hangsund, and Drammen. If we travelboth night and day it will be possible for us to reach Christianiato-morrow afternoon. "

"Very well, Joel. I see that you are familiar with the country, andthe route you propose is certainly a very pleasant one. "

"It is also the shortest. "

"But I am not at all particular about taking the shortest route, "replied Sylvius Hogg, laughing. "I know another and even moreagreeable route that prolongs the journey only a few hours, and you, too, are familiar with it, my boy, though you failed to mention it. "

"What route do you refer to?"

"To the one that passes through Bamble. "

"Through Bamble?"

"Yes, through Bamble. Don't feign ignorance. Yes, through Bamble, where Farmer Helmboe and his daughter Siegfrid reside. "

"Monsieur Sylvius!"

"Yes, and that is the route we are going to take, following thenorthern shore of Lake Fol instead of the southern, but finallyreaching Kongsberg all the same. "

"Yes, quite as well, and even better, " answered Joel smiling. 

"I must thank you in behalf of my brother, Monsieur Sylvius, " saidHulda, archly. 

"And for yourself as well, for I am sure that you too will be glad tosee your friend Siegfrid. "

The boat being ready, all three seated themselves upon a pile ofleaves in the stern, and the vigorous strokes of the boatsmen sooncarried the frail bark a long way from the shore. 

After passing Hackenoes, a tiny hamlet of two or three houses, builtupon a rocky promontory laved by the narrow fiord into which the Maanempties, the lake begins to widen rapidly. At first it is walled in bytall cliffs whose real height one can estimate accurately only when aboat passes their base, appearing no larger than some aquatic bird incomparison; but gradually the mountains retire into the background. 

The lake is dotted here and there with small islands, some absolutelydevoid of vegetation, others covered with verdure through which peepa few fishermen's huts. Upon the lake, too, may be seen floatingcountless logs not yet sold to the saw-mills in the neighborhood. 

This sight led Sylvius Hogg to jestingly remark--and he certainly musthave been in a mood for jesting:

"If our lakes are the eyes of Norway, as our poets pretend, it mustbe admitted that poor Norway has more than one beam in her eye, as theBible says. "

About four o'clock the boat reached Tinoset, one of the most primitiveof hamlets. Still that mattered little, as Sylvius Hogg had nointention of remaining there even for an hour. As he had prophesiedto Joel, a vehicle was awaiting them on the shore, for having decidedupon this journey several weeks before, he had written to Mr. Benett, of Christiania, requesting him to provide the means of making it withthe least possible fatigue and delay, which explains the fact that acomfortable carriage was in attendance, with its box well stocked witheatables, thus enabling the party to dispense with the stale eggs andsour milk with which travelers are usually regaled in the hamlets ofthe Telemark. 

Tinoset is situated near the end of Lake Tinn, and here the Maanplunges majestically into the valley below, where it resumes itsformer course. 

The horses being already harnessed to the carriage, our friendsimmediately started in the direction of Bamble. In those days thiswas the only mode of travel in vogue throughout Central Norway, andthrough the Telemark in particular, and perhaps modern railroads havealready caused the tourist to think with regret of the national karioland Mr. Benett's comfortable carriages. 

It is needless to say that Joel was well acquainted with this region, having traversed it repeatedly on his way from Dal to Bamble. 

It was eight o'clock in the evening when Sylvius Hogg and hisprot�g�es reached the latter village. They were not expected, butFarmer Helmboe received them none the less cordially on that account. Siegfrid tenderly embraced her friend, and the two young girls beingleft alone together for a few moments, they had an opportunity todiscuss the subject that engrossed their every thought. 

"Pray do not despair, my dearest Hulda, " said Siegfrid; "I have notceased to hope, by any means. Why should you abandon all hope ofseeing your poor Ole again? We have learned, through the papers, thatsearch is being made for the 'Viking. ' It will prove successful, I amcertain it will, and I am sure Monsieur Sylvius has not given up allhope. Hulda, my darling, I entreat you not to despair. "

Hulda's tears were her only reply, and Siegfrid pressed her friendfondly to her heart. 

Ah! what joy would have reigned in Farmer Helmboe's household if theycould but have heard of the safe return of the absent one, and havefelt that they really had a right to be happy. 

"So you are going direct to Christiania?" inquired the farmer. 

"Yes, Monsieur Helmboe. "

"To be present at the drawing of the great lottery?"

"Certainly. "

"But what good will it do now that Ole's ticket is in the hands ofthat wretch, Sandgoist?"

"It was Ole's wish, and it must be respected, " replied the professor. 

"I hear that the usurer has found no purchaser for the ticket forwhich he paid so dearly. "

"I too have heard so, friend Helmboe. "

"Well, I must say that it serves the rascal right. The man is ascoundrel, professor, a scoundrel, and it serves him right. "

"Yes, friend Helmboe, it does, indeed, serve him right. "

Of course they had to take supper at the farm-house. Neither Siegfridnor her father would allow their friends to depart without acceptingthe invitation, but it would not do for them to tarry too long if theywished to make up for the time lost by coming around by the way ofBamble, so at nine o'clock the horses were put to the carriage. 

"At my next visit I will spend six hours at the table with you, if youdesire it, " said Sylvius Hogg to the farmer; "but to-day I must askyour permission to allow a cordial shake of the hand from you and theloving kiss your charming Siegfrid will give Hulda to take the placeof the dessert. "

This done they started. 

In this high latitude twilight would still last several hours. Thehorizon, too, is distinctly visible for a long while after sunset, theatmosphere is so pure. 

It is a beautiful and varied drive from Bamble to Kongsberg. The roadpasses through Hitterdal and to the south of Lake Fol, traversing thesouthern part of the Telemark, and serving as an outlet to all thesmall towns and hamlets of that locality. 

An hour after their departure they passed the church of Hitterdal, anold and quaint edifice, surmounted with gables and turrets risingone above the other, without the slightest regard to anything likeregularity of outline. The structure is of wood--walls, roofs andturrets--and though it strongly resembles a motley collection ofpepper-boxes, it is really a venerable and venerated relic of theScandinavian architecture of the thirteenth century. 

Night came on very gradually--one of those nights still impregnatedwith a dim light which about one o'clock begins to blend with that ofearly dawn. 

Joel, enthroned upon the front seat, was absorbed in his reflections. Hulda sat silent and thoughtful in the interior of the carriage. Butfew words were exchanged between Sylvius Hogg and the postilion, andthese were almost invariably requests to drive faster. No other soundwas heard save the bells on the harness, the cracking of the whip, and the rumble of wheels over the stony road. They drove on all night, without once changing horses. It was not necessary to stop atListhus, a dreary station, situated in a sort of natural amphitheater, surrounded by pine-clad mountains. They passed swiftly by Tiness, too, a picturesque little hamlet, perched on a rocky eminence. Theirprogress was rapid in spite of the rather dilapidated condition oftheir vehicle, whose bolts and springs rattled and creaked dolorously, and certainly there was no just cause of complaint against the driver, though he was half asleep most of the time. But for all that, he urgedhis horses briskly on, whipping his jaded steeds mechanically, butusually aiming his blows at the off horse, for the near one belongedto him, while the other was the property of a neighbor. 

About five o'clock in the morning Sylvius Hogg opened his eyes, stretched out his arms, and drank in huge draughts of the pungent odorof the pines. 

They had now reached Kongsberg. The carriage was crossing the bridgeover the Laagen, and soon it stopped in front of a house near thechurch, and not far from the water-fall of the Larbr�. 

"If agreeable to you, my friends, " remarked Sylvius Hogg, "we willstop here only to change horses, for it is still too early forbreakfast. I think it would be much better not to make a real haltuntil we reach Drammen. There we can obtain a good meal, and so spareMonsieur Benett's stock of provisions. "

This being decided the professor and Joel treated themselves to atiny glass of brandy at the Hotel des Mines, and a quarter of anhour afterward, fresh horses being in readiness, they resumed theirjourney. 

On leaving the city they were obliged to ascend a very steep hill. The road was roughly hewn in the side of the mountain, and from itthe tall towers at the mouth of the silver mines of Kongsberg weredistinctly visible. Then a dense pine forest suddenly hid everythingelse from sight--a pine forest through which the sun's rays neverpenetrate. 

The town of Hangsund furnished fresh horses for the carriage. Thereour friends again found themselves on smooth level roads, frequentlyobstructed by turnpike gates, where they were obliged to pay a toll offive or six shillings. This was a fertile region, abounding in treesthat looked like weeping willows, so heavily did the branches droopunder their burden of fruit. 

As they neared Drammen, which is situated upon an arm of ChristianiaBay, the country became more hilly. About noon they reached the citywith its two interminable streets, lined with gayly painted houses, and its wharves where the countless rafts left but a meager space forthe vessels that come here to load with the products of the Northland. 

The carriage paused in front of the Scandinavian Hotel. Theproprietor, a dignified-looking personage, with a long, white beard, and a decidedly professional air, promptly appeared in the door-way ofhis establishment. 

With that keenness of perception that characterizes inn-keepers inevery country on the globe, he remarked:

"I should not wonder if these gentlemen and this young lady would likebreakfast. "

"Yes, " replied Sylvius Hogg, "but let us have it as soon as possible. "

"It shall be served immediately. "

The repast was soon ready, and proved a most tempting one. Mentionshould especially be made of a certain fish, stuffed with a savoryherb, of which the professor partook with evident delight. 

At half past one o'clock the carriage, to which fresh horses had beenharnessed, was brought to the hotel door, and our friends started downthe principal street of Drammen at a brisk trot. 

As they passed a small and dingy dwelling that contrasted stronglywith the gayly painted houses around it, Joel could not repress asudden movement of loathing. 

"There is Sandgoist?" he exclaimed. 

"So that is Sandgoist, " remarked Sylvius Hogg. "He certainly has a badface. "

It was Sandgoist smoking on his door-step. Did he recognize Joel? Itis impossible to say, for the carriage passed swiftly on between thehuge piles of lumber and boards. 

Next came a long stretch of level road, bordered with mountainash-trees, laden with coral berries, and then they entered the densepine forest that skirts a lovely tract of land known as ParadiseValley. 

Afterward they found themselves confronted and surrounded by a host ofsmall hills, each of which was crowned with a villa or farm-house. As twilight came on, and the carriage began to descend toward thesea through a series of verdant meadows, the bright red roofs of neatfarm-houses peeped out here and there through the trees, and soon ourtravelers reached Christiania Bay, surrounded by picturesque hills, and with its innumerable creeks, its tiny ports and wooden piers, where the steamers and ferry-boats land. 

At nine o'clock in the evening, and while it was still light, theold carriage drove noisily into the city through the already desertedstreets. 

In obedience to orders previously given by Sylvius Hogg, the vehicledrew up in front of the Hotel du Nord. It was there that Hulda andJoel were to stay, rooms having been engaged for them in advance. After bidding them an affectionate good-night the professor hastenedto his own home, where his faithful servants, Kate and Fink, wereimpatiently awaiting him. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Christiania, though it is the largest city in Norway, would beconsidered a small town in either England or France; and were itnot for frequent fires, the place would present very much the sameappearance that it did in the eleventh century. It was really rebuiltin 1624, by King Christian, however; and its name was then changedfrom Opsolo, as it had been previously called, to Christiania, inhonor of its royal architect. 

It is symmetrically laid out with broad, straight streets: and thehouses are generally of gray stone or red brick. In the center of afine garden stands the royal palace, known as the Oscarlot, a largequadrangular building, devoid of beauty, though built in the Ionicstyle of architecture. There are a few churches, in which theattention of worshipers is not distracted by any marvels of art;several municipal and government buildings, and one immense bazaar, constructed in the form of a rotunda, and stocked with both native andforeign goods. 

There is nothing very remarkable about all this, but one thing thetraveler can certainly admire without stint, and that is the siteof the city, which is encircled by mountains so varied in shape andaspect as to form a most superb frame for Christiania. 

Though the city is nearly flat in the new and wealthy quarter, thehilly portions, where the poorer classes live, are covered with brickor wooden huts of gaudy tints that astonish rather than charm thebeholder. 

Like all cities situated upon the water's edge, and upon fertilehills, Christiania is extremely picturesque, and it would not beunjust to compare its fiord to the famous Bay of Naples. Its shores, like those of Sorrento and Castellamare, are dotted with chaletsand villas, half hidden in the dark, rich verdure of the pines, andenveloped in the light mist that imparts such a wonderful softness tonorthern landscapes. 

Sylvius Hogg had at last returned to Christiania, though underconditions that he little dreamed of at the beginning of hisinterrupted journey. Oh, well, he would try that again another year!He could think only of Joel and Hulda Hansen now. Had there been timeto prepare for them, he would certainly have taken them to his ownhome, where old Fink and old Kate would have made them heartilywelcome; but under the circumstances, the professor had thought itadvisable to take them to the Hotel du Nord, where, as prot�g�esof Sylvius Hogg, they were sure of every attention, though he hadcarefully refrained from giving their names, for there had been somuch talk about the brother and sister, and especially about the younggirl, that it would be very embarrassing for her if her arrival inChristiania should become known. 

It had been decided that Sylvius Hogg should not see them again untilbreakfast the next day, that is to say, between eleven and twelveo'clock, as he had some business matters to attend to that wouldengross his attention all the forenoon. He would then rejoin themand remain with them until three o'clock, the hour appointed for thedrawing of the lottery. 

Joel, as soon as he rose the next morning, tapped at the door of hissister's room, and being anxious to divert her thoughts, which werelikely to be more melancholy than ever on such a day, he proposed thatthey should walk about the town until breakfast-time, and Hulda, toplease her brother, consented. 

It was Sunday, but though the streets of northern cities are usuallyquiet and well-nigh deserted on that day, an air of unusual bustleand animation pervaded the scene, for not only had the townspeoplerefrained from going to the country, as usual, but people from thesurrounding towns and country was pouring in in such numbers that theLake Miosen Railroad had been obliged to run extra trains. 

The number of disinterested persons anxious to attend the drawing ofthe famous lottery was even greater than the number of ticket-holders, consequently the streets were thronged with people. Whole families, and even whole villages, had come to the city, in the hope that theirjourney would not be in vain. Only to think of it! one million ticketshad been sold, and even if they should win a prize of only one or twohundred marks, how many good people would return home rejoicing!

On leaving the hotel, Joel and Hulda first paid a visit to the wharvesthat line the harbor. Here the crowd was not so great except about thetaverns, where huge tankards of beer were being continually called forto moisten throats that seemed to be in a state of constant thirst. 

As the brother and sister wandered about among the long rows ofbarrels and boxes, the vessels which were anchored both near and farfrom the shore came in for a liberal share of their attention, formight there not be some from the port of Bergen where the "Viking"would never more be seen?

"Ole! my poor Ole!" sighed Hulda, and hearing this patheticexclamation, Joel led her gently away from the wharves, and up intothe city proper. 

There, from the crowds that filled the streets and the public squares, they overheard more than one remark in relation to themselves. 

"Yes, " said one man; "I hear that ten thousand marks have been offeredfor ticket 9672. "

"Ten thousand!" exclaimed another. "Why, I hear that twenty thousandmarks, and even more, have been offered. "

"Mr. Vanderbilt, of New York, has offered thirty thousand. "

"And Messrs. Baring, of London, forty thousand. "

"And the Rothschilds, sixty thousand. "

So much for public exaggeration. At this rate the prices offered wouldsoon have exceeded the amount of the capital prize. 

But if these gossips were not agreed upon the sum offered to HuldaHansen, they were all of one mind in regard to the usurer of Drammen. 

"What an infernal scoundrel Sandgoist must be. That rascal who showedthose poor people no mercy. "

"Yes; he is despised throughout the Telemark, and this is not thefirst time he has been guilty of similar acts of rascality. "

"They say that nobody will buy Ole Kamp's ticket of him, now he hasgot it. "

"No; nobody wants it now. "

"That is not at all surprising. In Hulda Hansen's hands the ticket wasvaluable. "

"And in Sandgoist's it seems worthless. "

"I'm glad of it. He'll have it left on his hands, and I hope he'lllose the fifteen thousand marks it cost him. "

"But what if the scoundrel should win the grand prize?"

"He? Never!"

"He had better not come to the drawing. "

"No. If he does he will be roughly handled. There is no question aboutthat. "

These and many other equally uncomplimentary remarks about the usurerwere freely bandied about. 

It was evident that he did not intend to be present at the drawing, as he was at his house in Drammen the night before; but feeling hissister's arm tremble in his, Joel led her swiftly on, without tryingto hear any more. 

As for Sylvius Hogg, they had hoped to meet him in the street; butin this they were disappointed, though an occasional remark satisfiedthem that the public was already aware of the professor's return, forearly in the morning he had been seen hurrying toward the wharves, andafterward in the direction of the Naval Department. 

Of course, Joel might have asked anybody where Professor Sylvius Hogglived. Any one would have been only too delighted to point out thehouse or even to accompany him to it; but he did not ask, for fear ofbeing indiscreet, and as the professor had promised to meet them atthe hotel, it would be better to wait until the appointed hour. 

After a time Hulda began to feel very tired, and requested her brotherto take her back to the hotel, especially as these discussions, inwhich her name was frequently mentioned, were very trying to her, andon reaching the house she went straight up to her own room to awaitthe arrival of Sylvius Hogg. 

Joel remained in the reading-room, on the lower floor, where he spenthis time in mechanically looking over the Christiania papers. Suddenlyhe turned pale, a mist obscured his vision, and the paper fell fromhis hands. 

In the "Morgen-Blad, " under the heading of Maritime Intelligence, hehad just seen the following cablegram from Newfoundland:

 "The dispatch-boat 'Telegraph' has reached the locality where the 'Viking' is supposed to have been lost, but has found no trace of the wreck. The search on the coast of Greenland has been equally unsuccessful, so it may be considered almost certain that none of the unfortunate ship's crew survived the catastrophe. "

CHAPTER XVIII. 

"Good-morning, Mr. Benett. It is always a great pleasure to me when Ihave an opportunity to shake hands with you. "

"And for me, professor, it is a great honor. "

"Honor, pleasure--pleasure, honor, " laughed the professor. "Onebalances the other. "

"I am glad to see that your journey through Central Norway has beensafely accomplished. "

"Not accomplished, only concluded, for this year. "

"But tell me, pray, all about those good people you met at Dal. "

"Excellent people they were, friend Benett, in every sense of theword. "

"From what I can learn through the papers they are certainly very muchto be pitied. "

"Unquestionably, Mr. Benett. I have never known misfortune to pursuepersons so relentlessly. "

"It seems so, indeed, professor; for right after the loss of the'Viking' came that miserable Sandgoist affair. "

"True, Mr. Benett. "

"Still, Mr. Hogg, I think Hulda Hansen did right to give up the ticketunder the circumstances. "

"Indeed! and why, if you please?"

"Because it is better to secure fifteen thousand marks than to run avery great risk of gaining nothing at all. "

"You talk like the practical business man and merchant that you are;but if you choose to look at the matter from another point of view, itbecomes a matter of sentiment, and money exerts very little influencein such cases. "

"Of course, Mr. Hogg, but permit me to remark that it is more thanlikely that your prot�g�e has profited greatly by the exchange. "

"Why do you think so?"

"But think of it. What does this ticket represent? One chance in amillion of winning. "

"Yes, one chance in a million. That is very small; it is true, Mr. Benett, very small. "

"Yes; and consequently such a reaction has followed the late madnessthat it is said that this Sandgoist who purchased the ticket tospeculate upon it has been unable to find a purchaser. "

"So I have heard. "

"And yet, if that rascally usurer should win the grand prize, what ashame it would be!"

"A shame, most assuredly, Mr. Benett; the word is not too strong--ashame, unquestionably. "

This conversation took place while Sylvius Hogg was walking throughthe establishment of M. Benett--an establishment well known inChristiania, and indeed throughout Norway. It is difficult to mentionan article that can not be found in this bazaar. Traveling-carriages, kariols by the dozen, canned goods, baskets of wine, preserves ofevery kind, clothing and utensils for tourists, and guides to conductthem to the remotest villages of Finmark, Lapland, or even to theNorth Pole. Nor is this all. M. Benett likewise offers to lovers ofnatural history specimens of the different stones and metals found inthe earth, as well as of the birds, insects, and reptiles of Norway. It is well, too, to know that one can nowhere find a more completeassortment of the jewelry and bric-�-brac of the country than in hisshow-cases. 

This gentleman is consequently the good angel of all tourists desirousof exploring the Scandinavian peninsula, and a man Christiania couldscarcely do without. 

"By the way, you found the carriage you had ordered waiting for you atTinoset, did you not, professor?" he asked. 

"Yes. Having ordered it through you, Monsieur Benett, I felt sure thatit would, be there at the appointed time. "

"You are a sad flatterer, I fear, Monsieur Hogg. But I judged fromyour letter that there were to be three of you in the party. "

"There were three of us, as I told you. "

"And the others?"

"They arrived here safe and sound last evening, and are now waitingfor me at the Hotel du Nord, where I am soon to join them. "

"And these persons are--?"

"Precisely, Monsieur Benett, precisely; but I must beg you to saynothing about it. I don't wish their arrival to be noised abroad yet. "

"Poor girl!"

"Yes, she has suffered terribly. "

"And you wish her to be present at the drawing, though the ticket herbetrothed bequeathed to her is no longer in her possession?"

"It is not my wish, Monsieur Benett, but that of Ole Kamp, and Isay to you as I have said to others, Ole Kamp's last wishes would beobeyed. "

"Unquestionably. What you do is not only right, but always for thebest, professor. "

"You are flattering me now, dear Monsieur Benett. "

"Not at all. But it was a lucky day for them when the Hansen familymade your acquaintance. "

"Nonsense! it was a much more fortunate thing for me that they crossedmy path. "

"I see that you have the same kind heart still. "

"Well, as one is obliged to have a heart it is best to have a goodone, isn't it?" retorted the professor, with a genial smile. "But youneedn't suppose that I came here merely in search of compliments, " hecontinued. "It was for an entirely different object, I assure you. "

"Believe me, I am quite at your service. "

"You are aware, I suppose, that but for the timely intervention ofJoel and Hulda Hansen, the Rjukanfos would never have yielded me upalive, and I should not have the pleasure of seeing you to-day?"

"Yes, yes, I know, " replied Mr. Benett. "The papers have publishedfull accounts of your adventure, and those courageous young peoplereally deserve to win the capital prize. "

"That is my opinion, " answered Sylvius Hogg, "but as that is quite outof the question now, I am unwilling for my friend Hulda to returnto Dal without some little gift as a sort of memento of her visit toChristiania. "

"That is certainly an excellent idea, Mr. Hogg. "

"So you must assist me in selecting something that would be likely toplease a young girl. "

"Very willingly, " responded Mr. Benett. And he forthwith invited theprofessor to step into the jewelry department, for was not a Norwegianornament the most charming souvenir that one could take away with onefrom Christiania and from Mr. Benett's wonderful establishment?

Such at least was the opinion of Sylvius Hogg when the genial merchantexhibited the contents of his show-cases. 

"As I am no connoisseur in such matters I must be guided by yourtaste, Mr. Benett, " he remarked. 

They had before them a very large and complete assortment ofnative jewelry, which is usually valuable rather by reason of theelaborateness of its workmanship than any costliness of material. 

"What is this?" inquired the professor. 

"It is a ring with pendants which emit a very pleasant sound. "

"It is certainly very pretty, " replied Sylvius Hogg, trying the baubleon the tip of his little finger. "Lay it aside, Mr. Benett, and let uslook at something else. "

"Bracelets or necklaces?"

"At a little of everything, if you please, Mr. Benett--a little ofeverything. What is this?"

"A set of ornaments for the corsage. Look at that delicate tracery ofcopper upon a red worsted groundwork. It is all in excellent taste, though not very expensive. "

"The effect is certainly charming, Mr. Benett. Lay the ornaments asidewith the ring. "

"But I must call your attention to the fact that these ornaments arereserved for the adornment of youthful brides on their wedding-day, and that--"

"By Saint Olaf! you are right. Mr. Benett, you are quite right. PoorHulda! Unfortunately it is not Ole who is making her this present, but myself, and it is not to a blushing bride that I am going to offerit. "

"True, true, Mr. Hogg. "

"Let me look then at some jewelry suitable for a young girl. How aboutthis cross, Mr. Benett?"

"It is to be worn as a pendant, and being cut in concave facets itsparkles brilliantly with every movement of the wearer's throat. "

"It is very pretty, very pretty, indeed, and you can lay it asidewith the other articles, Mr. Benett. When we have gone through all theshow-cases we will make our selection. "

"Yes, but--"

"What is the matter now?"

"This cross, too, is intended to be worn by Scandinavian brides ontheir marriage-day. "

"The deuce! friend Benett. I am certainly very unfortunate in myselections. "

"The fact is, professor, my stock is composed principally of bridaljewelry, as that meets with the readiest sale. You can scarcely wonderat that. "

"The fact doesn't surprise me at all, Mr. Benett, though it places mein a rather embarrassing position. "

"Oh, well, you can still take the ring you asked me to put aside. "

"Yes, but I should like some more showy ornament. "

"Then take this necklace of silver filigree with its four rows ofchains which will have such a charming effect upon the neck of a younggirl. See! it is studded with gems of every hue, and it is certainlyone of the most quaint and curious productions of the Norwegiansilversmiths. "

"Yes, yes, " replied Sylvius Hogg. "It is a pretty ornament, thoughperhaps rather showy for my modest Hulda. Indeed, I much prefer thecorsage ornaments you showed me just now, and the pendant. Are theyso especially reserved for brides that they can not be presented to ayoung girl?"

"I think the Storthing has as yet passed no law to that effect, "replied Mr. Benett. "It is an unpardonable oversight, probably, but--"

"Well, well, it shall be attended to immediately, Mr. Benett. In themeantime I will take the cross and corsage ornaments. My littleHulda may marry some day after all. Good and charming as she is shecertainly will not want for an opportunity to utilize these ornaments, so I will buy them and take them away with me. "

"Very well, very well, professor. "

"Shall we have the pleasure of seeing you at the drawing, friendBenett?"

"Certainly. "

"I think it will be a very interesting affair. "

"I am sure of it. "

"But look here, " exclaimed the professor, bending over a show-case, "here are two very pretty rings I did not notice before. "

"Oh, they wouldn't suit you, Mr. Hogg. These are the heavily chasedrings that the pastor places upon the finger of the bride and thegroom during the marriage ceremony. "

"Indeed? Ah, well, I will take them all the same. And now I must bidyou good-bye, Mr. Benett, though I hope to see you again very soon. "

Sylvius Hogg now left the establishment, and walked briskly in thedirection of the Hotel du Nord. 

On entering the vestibule his eyes fell upon the words _Fiat lux_, which are inscribed upon the hall lamp. 

"Ah! these Latin words are certainly very appropriate, " he said tohimself, "Yes. _Fiat lux! Fiat lux!_"

Hulda was still in her room, sitting by the window. The professorrapped at the door, which was instantly opened. 

"Oh. Monsieur Sylvius!" cried the girl, delightedly. 

"Yes, here I am, here I am! But never mind about Monsieur Sylviusnow; our attention must be devoted to breakfast, which is ready andwaiting. I'm as hungry as a wolf. Where is Joel?"

"In the reading-room. "

"Well, I will go in search of him. You, my dear child, must come rightdown and join us. "

Sylvius Hogg left the room and went to find Joel, who was also waitingfor him, but in a state of mind bordering upon despair. The poorfellow immediately showed the professor the copy of the "Morgen-Blad, "containing the discouraging telegram from the commander of the"Telegraph. "

"Hulda has not seen it, I hope?" inquired the professor, hastily. 

"No, I thought it better to conceal from her as long as possible whatshe will learn only too soon. "

"You did quite right, my boy. Let us go to breakfast. "

A moment afterward all three were seated at a table in a privatedining-room, and Sylvius Hogg began eating with great zest. 

An excellent breakfast it was, equal in fact to any dinner, as youcan judge from the _menu_. Cold beer soup, salmon with egg sauce, delicious veal cutlets, rare roast beef, a delicate salad, vanillaice, raspberry and cherry preserver--the whole moistened with somevery fine claret. 

"Excellent, excellent!" exclaimed Sylvius Hogg. "Why, we can almostimagine ourselves in Dame Hansen's inn at Dal. "

And as his mouth was otherwise occupied his eyes smiled as much as itis possible for eyes to smile. 

Joel and Hulda endeavored to reply in the same strain, but they couldnot, and the poor girl tasted scarcely anything. When the repast wasconcluded:

"My children, " said Sylvius Hogg, "you certainly failed to do justiceto a very excellent breakfast. Still, I can not compel you to eat, andif you go without breakfast you are likely to enjoy your dinner allthe more, while I very much doubt if I shall be able to compete withyou to-night. Now, it is quite time for us to leave the table. "

The professor was already upon his feet, and he was about to take thehat Joel handed him, when Hulda checked him by saying:

"Monsieur Sylvius, do you still insist that I shall accompany you?"

"To witness the drawing? Certainly I do, my dear girl. "

"But it will be a very painful ordeal for me. "

"I admit it, but Ole wished you to be present at the drawing, Hulda, and Ole's wishes must be obeyed. "

This phrase was certainly becoming a sort of refrain in Sylvius Hogg'smouth. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

What a crowd filled the large hall of the University of Christiana inwhich the drawing of the great lottery was to take place--a crowd thatoverflowed into the very court-yards, as even the immense buildingwas not large enough to accommodate such a throng, and even into theadjoining streets, as the court-yards, too, proved inadequate towardthe last. 

On that Sunday, the 15th of July, it certainly was not by theircalmness and phlegm that one would have recognized these madly excitedpeople as Norwegians. Was this unwonted excitement due solely tothe interest excited by this drawing, or was it due, at least, in ameasure, to the unusually high temperature of the summer's day?

The drawing was to begin at three o'clock precisely. There were onehundred prizes--divided into three classes: 1st, ninety prizes rangingin value from one hundred to one thousand marks, and amounting in allto forty-five thousand marks; 2d, nine prizes of from one thousand tonine thousand marks, and amounting to forty-five thousand marks, and3d, one prize of one hundred thousand marks. 

Contrary to the rule that is generally observed in lotteries of thiskind, the drawing of the grand prize was reserved for the last. It wasnot to the holder of the first ticket drawn that the grand prize wouldbe given, but to the last, that is to say, the one hundredth. Hence, there would result a series of emotions and heart-throbbings ofconstantly increasing violence, for it had been decided that no ticketshould be entitled to two prizes, but that having gained one prize, the drawing should be considered null and void if the same number weretaken from the urns a second time. 

All this was known to the public, and there was nothing for peopleto do but await the appointed hour; but to while away the tediousinterval of waiting they all talked, and, chiefly, of the patheticsituation of Hulda Hansen. Unquestionably, if she had still been thepossessor of Ole Kamp's ticket each individual present would havewished her the next best luck to himself. 

Several persons having seen the dispatch published in the"Morgen-Blad, " spoke of it to their neighbors, and the entire crowdsoon became aware that the search of the "Telegraph" had provedfutile. This being the case all felt that there was no longer any hopeof finding even a vestige of the lost "Viking. " Not one of the crewcould have survived the shipwreck, and Hulda would never see her loveragain. 

Suddenly another report diverted the minds of the crowd. It wasrumored that Sandgoist had decided to leave Drammen, and severalpersons pretended that they had seen him in the streets ofChristiania. Could it be that he had ventured into this hall? Ifhe had the wretch would certainly meet with a most unflatteringreception. How audacious in him to think of such a thing as beingpresent at this drawing! It was so improbable that it could not bepossible. It must certainly be a false alarm, and nothing more. 

About quarter past two quite a commotion was apparent in the crowd. 

It was caused by the sudden appearance of Sylvius Hogg at the gate ofthe University. Every one knew the prominent part he had taken in thewhole affair, and how, after having been received by Dame Hansen'schildren, he had endeavored to repay the obligation, so the crowdinstantly divided to make way for him, and there arose from everyside a flattering murmur, which Sylvius acknowledged by a series offriendly bows, and this murmur soon changed into hearty applause. 

But the professor was not alone. When those nearest him stepped backto make way for him they saw that he had a young girl on his arm, andthat a young man was following them. 

A young man! a young girl! The discovery had very much the effect ofan electric shock. The same thought flashed through every mind like aspark from an electric battery. 

"Hulda! Hulda Hansen!"

This was the name that burst from every lip. 

Yes, it was Hulda, so deeply agitated that she could hardly walk. Indeed, she certainly would have fallen had it not been for SylviusHogg's supporting arm. But it upheld her firmly--her, the modest, heart-broken little heroine of the f�te to which Ole Kamp's presenceonly was wanting. How greatly she would have preferred to remain inher own little room at Dal! How she shrunk from this curiosity on thepart of those around her, sympathizing though it was! But Sylvius Hogghad wished her to come, and she had done so. 

"Room! room!" was heard on all sides. 

And as Sylvius Hogg, and Hulda and Joel walked up the passage-way thathad been cleared for them, as if by magic, how many friendly handswere outstretched to grasp theirs, how many kind and cordial wordswere lavished upon them, and with what delight Sylvius Hogg listenedto these expressions of friendly feeling!

"Yes; it is she, my friends, my little Hulda, whom I have brought backwith me from Dal, " said he. "And this is Joel, her noble brother; butpray, my good friends, do not smother them!"

Though Joel returned every grasp with interest, the less vigoroushands of the professor were fairly benumbed by such constant shaking, but his eyes sparkled with joy, though a tear was stealing down hischeek; but--and the phenomenon was certainly well worthy the attentionof ophthalmologists--the tear was a luminous one. 

It took them fully a quarter of an hour to cross the court-yard, gainthe main hall, and reach the seats that had been reserved forthe professor. When this was at last accomplished, not withoutconsiderable difficulty, Sylvius Hogg seated himself between Hulda andJoel. 

At precisely half past two o'clock, the door at the rear of theplatform opened, and the president of the lottery appeared, calmand dignified, and with the commanding mien befitting his exaltedposition. Two directors followed, bearing themselves with equaldignity. Then came six little blue-eyed girls, decked out in flowersand ribbons, six little girls whose innocent hands were to draw thelottery. 

Their entrance was greeted with a burst of loud applause thattestified both to the pleasure all experienced on beholding themanagers of the Christiania Lottery, and to the impatience with whichthe crowd was awaiting the beginning of the drawing. 

There were six little girls, as we have remarked before, and therewere also six urns upon a table that occupied the middle of theplatform. Each of these urns contained ten numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, representing the units, tens, hundreds, thousands, tens ofthousands, and hundreds of thousands of the number one million. Therewas no seventh urn, for the million column, because it had been agreedthat six ciphers drawn simultaneously should represent one million, asin this way the chances of success would be equally divided among allthe numbers. 

It had also been settled that the numbers should be drawn insuccession from the urns, beginning with that to the left of theaudience. The winning number would thus be formed under the very eyesof the spectators, first by the figure in the column of hundreds ofthousands, then in the columns of tens of thousands, and so on untilthe column of units was reached, and the reader can judge with whatemotion each person watched his chances of success increase with thedrawing of each figure. 

As the clock struck three, the president waved his hand, and declaredthe drawing begun. 

The prolonged murmur that greeted the announcement lasted severalminutes, after which quiet was gradually established. 

The president rose, and though evidently much excited, made a shortspeech suited to the occasion, in which he expressed regret that therewas not a prize for each ticket-holder; then he ordered the drawingof the first series of prizes, which consisted, as we have beforeremarked, of ninety prizes, and which would therefore consume aconsiderable length of time. 

The six little girls began to perform their duties with automaton-likeregularity, but the audience did not lose patience for an instant. Itis true, however, that as the value of the prizes increased with eachdrawing, the excitement increased proportionately, and no one thoughtof leaving his seat, not even those persons whose tickets had beenalready drawn, and who had consequently nothing more to expect. 

This went on for about an hour without producing any incident ofparticular interest, though people noticed that number 9672 had notbeen drawn, which would have taken away all chance of its winning thecapital prize. 

"That is a good omen for Sandgoist!" remarked one of the professor'sneighbors. 

"It would certainly be an extraordinary thing if a man like thatshould meet with such a piece of good luck, even though he has thefamous ticket, " remarked another. 

"A famous ticket, indeed!" replied Sylvius Hogg; "but don't ask mewhy, for I can't possibly tell you. "

Then began the drawing of the second series of prizes, nine in number. This promised to be very interesting--the ninety-first prize being oneof a thousand marks; the ninety-second, one of two thousand marks, and so on, up to the ninety-ninth, which was one of nine thousand. Thethird class, the reader must recollect, consisted of the capital prizeonly. 

Number 72, 521 won a prize of five thousand marks. This ticket belongedto a worthy seaman of Christiania, who was loudly cheered and whoreceived with great dignity the congratulations lavished upon him. 

Another number, 823, 752, won a prize of six thousand marks, and howgreat was Sylvius Hogg's delight when he learned from Joel that itbelonged to the charming Siegfrid of Bamble. 

An incident that caused no little excitement followed. When theninety-seventh prize was drawn, the one consisting of seven thousandmarks, the audience feared for a moment that Sandgoist was the winnerof it. It was won, however, by ticket number 9627, which was withinonly forty-five points of Ole Kamp's number. 

The two drawings that followed were numbers very widely removed fromeach other: 775 and 76, 287. 

The second series was now concluded, and the great prize of onehundred thousand marks alone remained to be drawn. 

The excitement of the assemblage at that moment beggars alldescription. 

At first there was a long murmur that extended from the large hallinto the court-yards and even into the street. In fact, severalminutes elapsed before quiet was restored. A profound silencefollowed, and in this calmness there was a certain amount ofstupor--the stupor one experiences on seeing a prisoner appear uponthe place of execution. But this time the still unknown victim wasonly condemned to win a prize of one hundred thousand marks, not tolose his head; that is, unless he lost it from ecstasy. 

Joel sat with folded arms, gazing straight ahead of him, being theleast moved, probably, in all that large assembly. Hulda, her headbowed upon her breast, was thinking only of her poor Ole. As forSylvius Hogg--but any attempt to describe the state of mind in whichSylvius Hogg found himself would be worse than useless. 

"We will now conclude with the drawing of the one hundred thousandmark prize, " announced the president. 

What a voice! It seemed to proceed from the inmost depths of thissolemn-looking man, probably because he was the owner of severaltickets which, not having yet been drawn, might still win the capitalprize. 

The first little girl drew a number from the left urn, and exhibitedit to the audience. 

"Zero!" said the president. 

The zero did not create much of a sensation, however. The audiencesomehow seemed to have been expecting it. 

"Zero!" said the president, announcing the figure drawn by the secondlittle girl. 

Two zeros. The chances were evidently increasing for all numbersbetween one and nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine, and everyone recollected that Ole Kamp's ticket bore the number 9672. 

Strange to say, Sylvius Hogg began to move restlessly about in hischair, as if he had suddenly been stricken with palsy. 

"Nine, " said the president, stating the number the third little girlhad just extracted from the third urn. 

Nine! That was the first figure on Ole Kamp's ticket. 

"Six!" said the president. 

For the fourth little girl was timidly displaying a six to all theeyes riveted upon her. 

The chances of winning were now one out of a hundred for all thenumbers from one to ninety-nine, inclusive. 

Could it be that this ticket of Ole Kamp's was to be the means ofplacing one hundred thousand marks in that villainous Sandgoist'spocket. Really such a result would almost make one doubt the justiceof God!

The fifth little girl plunged her hand into the next urn, and drew outthe fifth figure. 

"Seven!" said the president, in a voice that trembled so as to bescarcely audible, even to those seated on the first row of benches. 

But those who could not hear were able to see for themselves, for thefive little girls were now holding up the following figures to thegaze of the audience:

00967. 

The winning number consequently must be one between 9670 and 9679, sothere was now one chance out of ten for Ole Kamp's ticket to win theprize. 

The suspense was at its height. 

Sylvius Hogg had risen to his feet, and seized Hulda Hansen's hand. Every eye was riveted upon the young girl. In sacrificing this lastmoment of her betrothed, had she also sacrificed the fortune Ole Kamphad coveted for her and for himself?

The sixth little girl had some difficulty getting her hand intothe urn, she was trembling so, poor thing! but at last the figureappeared. 

"Two!" exclaimed the president, sinking back in his chair, quitebreathless with emotion. 

"Nine thousand six hundred and seventy two!" proclaimed one of thedirectors, in a loud voice. 

This was the number of Ole Kamp's ticket, now in Sandgoist'spossession. Everybody was aware of this fact, and of the manner inwhich the usurer had obtained it; so there was a profound silenceinstead of the tumultuous applause that would have filled the hall ofthe University if the ticket had still been in Hulda Hansen's hands. 

And now was this scoundrel Sandgoist about to step forward, ticket inhand, to claim the prize?

"Number 9672 wins the prize of one hundred thousand marks!" repeatedthe director. "Who claims it?"

"I do. "

Was it the usurer of Drammen who answered thus?

No. It was a young man--a young man with a pale face, whose featuresand whole person bore marks of prolonged suffering, but alive, reallyand truly alive. 

On hearing this voice, Hulda sprung to her feet, uttering a cry thatpenetrated every nook and corner of the large hall; then she fell backfainting. 

But the young man had forced his way impetuously through the crowd, and it was he who caught the unconscious girl in his arms. 

It was Ole Kamp!

CHAPTER XX. 

Yes; it was Ole Kamp! Ole Kamp, who, by a miracle, had survived theshipwreck of the "Viking. " The reason the "Telegraph" had not broughthim back to Europe can be easily explained. He was no longer in theregion visited by the dispatch-boat, for the very good reason thathe was already on his way to Christiania on board the vessel that hadrescued him. 

This is what Sylvius Hogg was telling. This is what he repeated to allwho would listen to him. And what a crowd of listeners he had! Thisis what he related with the triumphant accents of a conqueror! Thosearound him repeated it to those who were not fortunate enough to benear him, and the good news flew from group to group until it reachedthe crowd that filled the court-yard and the neighboring streets. 

In a few moments, all Christiania knew that the young mate of the"Viking" had returned, and that he had won the grand prize of theSchools Lottery. 

It was a fortunate thing that Sylvius Hogg was acquainted with thewhole story, as Ole certainly could not have told it, for Joel nearlysmothered him in his embrace while Hulda was regaining consciousness. 

"Hulda! dearest Hulda!" said Ole. "Yes, it is I--your betrothed--soonto be your husband!"

"Yes, soon, my children, very soon!" exclaimed Sylvius Hogg. "We willleave this very evening for Dal. And if such a thing was never seenbefore, it will be seen now. A professor of law, and a member of theStorthing will be seen dancing at a wedding like the wildest youth inthe Telemark. "

But how had Sylvius Hogg become acquainted with Ole Kamp's history?Simply through the last letter that the Naval Department had addressedto him at Dal. In fact this letter--the last he had received, andone whose receipt he had not mentioned to any one--contained anotherletter, dated from Christiansand. This second letter stated that theDanish brig "Genius" had just reached Christiansand, with severalsurvivors of the "Viking" on board, among them the young mate, OleKamp, who would arrive in Christiania three days afterward. 

The letter from the Naval Department added that these shipwrecked menhad suffered so much that they were still in a very weak condition, and for this reason Sylvius Hogg had decided not to say anything toHulda about her lover's return. In his response he had also requestedthe most profound secrecy in regard to this return--and in compliancewith this request the facts had been carefully kept from the public. 

The fact that the "Telegraph" had found no traces nor survivors of the"Viking" can also be easily explained. 

During a violent tempest the vessel--which had become partiallydisabled--being obliged to scud along before the wind in anorth-westerly direction, finally found herself about two hundredmiles from the southern coast of Iceland. During the nights of thethird and fourth of May the worst nights of the gale--it collidedwith one of those enormous icebergs that drift down from the shoresof Greenland. The shock was terrible, so terrible, indeed, that the"Viking" went to pieces five minutes afterward. 

It was then that Ole hastily penned his farewell message to hisbetrothed, and after inclosing it in a bottle, cast it into the sea. 

Most of the "Viking's" crew, including the captain, perished atthe time of the catastrophe, but Ole Kamp and four of his comradessucceeded in leaping upon the iceberg, just as the vessel went down;but their death would have been none the less certain if the terriblegale had not driven the mass of ice in a north-westerly direction. Twodays afterward, exhausted and nearly dead with hunger, these survivorsof the catastrophe were cast upon the southern coast of Greenland--abarren and deserted region--but where they nevertheless managed tokeep themselves alive through the mercy of God. 

If help had not reached them in a few days, it would have been allover with them, however; for they had not strength to reach thefisheries, or the Danish settlements on the other coast. 

Fortunately the brig "Genius, " which had been driven out of her courseby the tempest, happened to pass. The shipwrecked men made signals toher. These signals were seen, and the men were saved. 

The "Genius, " delayed by head-winds, was a long time in making thecomparatively short voyage between Greenland and Norway, and did notreach Christiansand until the 12th of July, nor Christiania until themorning of the 15th. 

That very morning Sylvius Hogg went aboard the vessel. There he foundOle, who was still very weak, and told him all that had takenplace since the arrival of his last letter, written fromSaint-Pierre-Miquelon, after which he took the young sailor home withhim, though not without having requested the crew of the "Genius" tokeep the secret a few hours longer. The reader knows the rest. 

It was then decided that Ole Kamp should attend the drawing of thelottery. But would he be strong enough to do it?

Yes; his strength would be equal to the ordeal, for was not Huldato be there? But had he still any interest in this drawing? Yes, ahundred times, yes; both on his own account and that of hisbetrothed, for Sylvius Hogg had succeeded in getting the ticket outof Sandgoist's hands, having repurchased it from him at the sameprice the usurer had given for it, for Sandgoist was only too glad todispose of it at that price now there were no more bidders for it. 

"It was not for the sake of an improbable chance of gain that I wishedto restore it to Hulda, my brave Ole, " Sylvius Hogg remarked, ashe gave him the ticket; "but because it was a last farewell you hadaddressed to her at the moment when you believed all was lost. "

And now it seemed almost as if Professor Sylvius Hogg had beeninspired of Heaven, certainly much more so than Sandgoist, who wasstrongly tempted to dash his brains out against the wall when helearned the result of the drawing. And now there was a fortune of onehundred thousand marks in the Hansen family. Yes, one hundred thousandmarks, for Sylvius Hogg absolutely refused to take back the money hehad paid to secure possession of Ole Kamp's ticket. 

It was a dowry he was only too glad to offer little Hulda on herwedding-day. 

Perhaps it will be considered rather astonishing that Ticket No. 9672, which had attracted so much attention from the public, should havehappened to be the one that drew the grand prize. 

Yes, it was astonishing, we must admit; but it was not impossible, andat all events, such was the fact. 

Sylvius Hogg, Joel, and Hulda left Christiania that same evening. They returned to Dal by way of Bamble, as, of course, Siegfrid mustbe informed of her good fortune. As they passed the little church ofHitterdal, Hulda recollected the gloomy thoughts that beset hertwo days before, but the sight of Ole, seated beside her, speedilyrecalled her to the blissful reality. 

By Saint Olaf! how beautiful Hulda looked under her bridal crown whenshe left the little chapel at Dal, four days afterward, leaning on herhusband's arm. The brilliant festivities that followed were the talkof the whole Telemark for days and days afterward. And how happyeverybody was! Siegfrid, the pretty bride-maid, her father, FarmerHelmboe, Joel, her affianced husband, and even Dame Hansen, who was nolonger haunted by a fear of Sandgoist. 

Perhaps the reader will ask whether all these friends andguests--Messrs. Help Bros. , and hosts of others--came to witnessthe happiness of the newly married couple, or to see Sylvius Hogg, professor of law and a member of the Storthing, dance. It is hard tosay. At all events he did dance, and very creditably, and after havingopened the ball with his beloved Hulda, he closed it with the charmingSiegfrid. 

The next day, followed by the acclamations of the whole valley ofVesjorddal, he departed, but not without having solemnly promisedto return for Joel's marriage, which was celebrated a few weeksafterward, to the great delight of the contracting parties. 

This time the professor opened the ball with the charming Siegfrid, and closed it with his dear Hulda; and he has never given any displayof his proficiency in the terpsichorean art since that time. 

What happiness now reigned in this household which had been so cruellytried! It was undoubtedly due in some measure, at least, to theefforts of Sylvius Hogg; but he would not admit it, and alwaysdeclared:

"No, no; it is I who am still under obligations to Dame Hansen'schildren. "

As for the famous ticket, it was returned to Ole Kamp after thedrawing; and now, in a neat wooden frame, it occupies the place ofhonor in the hall of the inn at Dal. But what the visitor sees is notthe side of the ticket upon which the famous number 9672 is inscribed, but the last farewell that the shipwrecked sailor, Ole Kamp, addressedto Hulda Hansen, his betrothed.