Such were the bitter reflections of Mr. Hersebom, while he lay upon his bed of pain; and he felt still worse when he was able to get up, and occupy his accustomed seat in his arm-chair.

While waiting for his complete recovery, the family lived upon such provisions as they had in the house, and by the sale of the salt cod-fish which still remained.  But the future looked very dark, and nobody could see how it was to be lightened.

This imminent distress had given a new turn to Erik’s thoughts.  For two or three days he reflected that it was by his good fortune that Mr. Hersebom had been discovered.  How could he help feeling proud, when he saw Dame Katrina and Vanda look at him with intense gratitude, as they said:  “Dear Erik, our father saved you from the waves, and now, in your turn, you have snatched him from death.”

Certainly it was the highest recompense that he could desire for the self-abnegation of which he had given such a noble proof, in condemning himself to a fisherman’s life.  To feel that he had been able to render his adopted family such an inestimable benefit was to him a thought full of sweetness and strength.  This family, who had so generously shared with him all that they possessed, were now in trouble, and in want of food.  But, could he remain to be a burden to them?  Was it not rather his duty to try and do something to assist them?

Erik did not doubt his obligation to do this.  He only hesitated as to the best way for him to do it.  Should he go to Bergen and become a sailor? or was there some better occupation open to him, where he could be immediately useful to them.  He resolved to consult Mr. Malarius, who listened to his reasons, and approved of them, but did not think well of his project of becoming a sailor.

“I understood, but I deplored your decision when you were resigned to remain here and share the life of your adopted parents; but I can not understand why you should condemn yourself to the life of a sailor, which would take you far away from them, when Doctor Schwaryencrona offers you every advantage to pursue a more congenial career,” said Mr. Malarius.  “Reflect, my dear child, before you make such a decision.”

Mr. Malarius did not tell him that he had already written to Stockholm to inform the doctor of the sad state of their affairs, and the change which the cyclone of the 3d of March had made in the circumstances of Erik’s family.  He was not surprised, when three days after his conversation with Erik, he received the following letter, which he lost no time in carrying to the house of Mr. Hersebom.

The letter read as follows: 

     “Stockholm, March 17th.