her captives! Jan took in the whole
grand duty at once.

"I see you are pleased with your prospects, Jan. Many would not be.
The duty of the African blockading squadron is very hard; it is not a
favorite station. That fact made your appointment so easy."

"Only one thing could make my prospects brighter."

"What is that thing?"

"If Snorro could go with me! How he would rejoice in such work! He
is so strong; when he is angry, he is as strong as six men, I
think. Once I saw him put a sick fisherman behind his back, and
compel the boat crew to give him his share. Yes, indeed! They looked
in Snorro's face, and did what he said without a word. He would fly
on these men-catchers like a lion. He would stamp them under his
feet. It is a war that would make Snorro's heart glad. He would
slay the foe as he would pour out water, and for the weak and
suffering he would lay down his life. He would, indeed!"

Jan spoke rapidly, and with enthusiasm. Lord Lynne looked at him with
admiration, as he said: "It is too late now to send for Snorro. How
you do love that man, Jan!"

"Well, then, he deserves it. I would be a cur if I loved him not. I
love thee, too. Thou saved me from myself; thou hast given to me like
a prince; but as for Snorro! He gave me all he had! Thou art not
grieved? Thou wilt not think me ungrateful for thy goodness?"

"If you had forgotten Snorro, Jan, I would not have trusted you for
myself. You do right to love him. When the squadron is recalled he
must be sent for. It is not right to part you two."

"I will tell him what thou says. It will make him happy. Snorro is one
of those men who can wait patiently."

So Jan wrote to Snorro. He took the largest official paper he could
find, and he sealed the letter with the ship's seal, sparing not the
sealing-wax in its office. For he knew well what an effect the
imposing missive would have. In the hurry of his own affairs he could
think of such small things, for the sake of the satisfaction which
they would give to his simple-minded friend.

But mails were long at that time of the year in reaching Shetland. Jan
was far down the African coast when his letter came to Lerwick. It was
under cover to Dr. Balloch, and though the day was rough and snowy the
good minister found his way to Peter's store. He was always welcome
there. Peter never forgot how faithfully he stood by him when the
darkest suspicions kept other men away, and Snorro associated his
visits with