Summary

Chapter 1

It is a holiday off from school and four children, Peter(13), Lovisa (10), Michael (12), and Helga (11), are playing and sledding in the snow. Set in Norway the children remark that even in April the snow has stayed longer than usual.

Helga, a tomboy of sorts, spots Peter's Uncle Victor and his first mate, Rolls, coming over the hill. They all wave at them, but the men only respond with a faint wave. Peter is confused by the greeting since his Uncle is usually very outgoing. Peter admires his Uncle Victor because he owns his own fishing fleet and gets to experience adventures, unlike his father who is a banker. Helga remarks that they are headed down to the Snake, which is a very narrow and winding waterway that leads to the sea. Victor has his fishing fleet moored there, replies Peter.

Later that...