quaintance had not been sent after him,
was quite communicative, and even told the story of his experience on
board of the ship, and of his escape from bondage. Sanford laughed,
and seemed to enjoy the narrative; but straightway the coxswain began
to tremble when he learned that Clyde had with him a Norwegian who
spoke English. It was necessary to get rid of so dangerous a person
without any delay. The Briton liked Sanford so well that he was not
willing to leave him; and, indeed, the whole party were so jolly that
he desired to join his fortunes with theirs. Sanford wrote a brief
letter to Mr. Lowington, stating the misfortunes of the party, and
that they expected to arrive in Christiania on Wednesday or Thursday.

"Now, Mr. ----, I don't know your name," said Sanford, when he
found Clyde, after he had written the epistle.

"Blacklock," replied the Briton--"Clyde Blacklock."

"Well, Blacklock, if you want an up-and-down good time, come with us."

"Where? To Christiania? into the lion's den?"

"Not yet, but--don't open your mouth; don't let on for the world,"
whispered the coxswain, glancing at his companions.

"Not a word," added Clyde, satisfied he had found the right friend.

"We are going to the Rjukanfos to-morrow, but only one or two of us
know it yet. Your man will spoil all. Send him back to Christiania
this very afternoon. Here's a blind for him; let him take this
letter."

Clyde liked plotting and mischief, and as soon as his guide had eaten
his supper, he was started for his home in the capital, glad enough to
go, for he had been paid for all the time agreed upon; and Sanford
ceased to tremble lest he should expose to his companions the mistake
in regard to horses, or another blunder which was to be made the next
morning.

CHAPTER X.

GOTTENBURG AND FINKEL.

On Saturday night, as Clyde had anticipated, his mother arrived at
Christiania; and the people at the Victoria informed her of the
disappearance of her son. The next morning she hastened on board of
the ship, and heard the principal's story. Mrs. Blacklock wept
bitterly, and was fearful that her darling boy was forever lost; but
Mr. Lowington assured her that no serious harm could befall him. He
spoke very plainly to her in regard to Clyde's character and his
ungovernable passions, assuring her that he must certainly come to an
evil end within a few years, if he was not restrained and controlled.
The poor mother felt the truth of all