in
such a pond as that before us would become solid at this
season of the year and we could walk upon it and that
sometimes it would be so hard horses and wagons crossed wide
rivers on the ice. They wondered and asked why we didn't
come and live among them. They really were very happy.

Again:

On the way to the North Cape we visited a reindeer camp of
the Laplanders. A sailor from the ship was deputed to go
with the party. I walked homeward with him, and as we
approached the fiord looking down and over to the opposite
shore we saw a few straggling huts and one two-story house
under construction. What is that new building for? we asked.

"That is to be the home of a man born in Tromso who has made
a great deal of money and has now come back to spend his
days there. He is very rich."

"You told me you had travelled all over the world. You have
seen London, New York, Calcutta, Melbourne, and other
places. If you made a fortune like that man what place would
you make your home in old age?" His eye glistened as he
said:

"Ah, there's no place like Tromso." This is in the arctic
circle, six months of night, but he had been born in Tromso.
Home, sweet, sweet home!

Among the conditions of life or the laws of nature, some of which seem
to us faulty, some apparently unjust and merciless, there are many
that amaze us by their beauty and sweetness. Love of home, regardless
of its character or location, certainly is one of these. And what a
pleasure it is to find that, instead of the Supreme Being confining
revelation to one race or nation, every race has the message best
adapted for it in its present stage of development. The Unknown Power
has neglected none.

CHAPTER XV

COACHING TRIP AND MARRIAGE

The Freedom of my native town (Dunfermline) was conferred upon me July
12, 1877, the first Freedom and the greatest honor I ever received. I
was overwhelmed. Only two signatures upon the roll came between mine
and Sir Walter Scott's, who had been made a Burgess. My parents had
seen him one day sketching Dunfermline Abbey and often told me about
his appearance. My speech in reply to the Freedom was the subject of
much concern. I spoke to my Uncle Bailie Morrison, telling him I just
felt like saying so and so, as this really was in my heart. He was an
orator himself and he spoke words of wisdom to me then.