m a small
cask of liquor, and in the parcel of silks you will find a bundle
of toys for the children.

"You cannot imagine--but still you must--how pleasant it is to
deprive oneself of luxuries that you may provide for the wants of
those whom you have left at home.

"My ship-mates frequently say that I am severe towards them when at
sea, perhaps I am; but it grieves me when I see those noble men, so
skillful in the management of our vessel, lavish their money when
on shore in foolish pleasures. They have as great reason to be
economical as I have myself, and I cannot resist from occasionally
censuring them, and therefore I may not appear so kind to them as I
am to you when at home, or while I am writing this letter. Although
all my efforts may be fruitless, still I feel assured that there is
not one man amongst them who would not peril his existence to
rescue 'the tiger,' as they call me, from any danger. They well
know that I would not stop to think, but would spring into the
ocean at once, if it was necessary, to rescue them.

"But, my dear Magde, a word in confidence. I am neither as wise or
as well educated as my father was in his younger days, yet I would
not wound your feelings either by word or action; but I must inform
you that a rumor has reached my ears about a certain man, whose
neck I once would have twisted willingly, because, when in church,
he looked at you oftener than he did at the minister.

"But if, when I return, I discover that that villain from Almvik
has been poaching on my grounds, he must look to safety. In you,
Magde, I can place all confidence, and shall therefore say nothing
further. And now farewell. Remember me firstly to my father, and
then to my sister, and my children.

"Your faithful husband,
"RAGNAR LONNER.

"P.S. During the soft moonlight nights, when on my watch, I see
your form, dear Magde, bright and beautiful, as I look over the
wake of the vessel. And when the night is dark and cloudy, I see
you sitting by my side, the binnacle light shining upon your
pleasant face, which is illumined with smiles as I gaze upon little
Conrad, whom I imagine a fine full grown lad, climbing the shrouds
with all the eagerness of a competent sailor. But, belay, otherwise
my letter will be under sail again."