tioned successively all the
proprietors of the vessels bearing the name of 'Cynthia,' without
obtaining any information, and after exhausting all known means of
pursuing my investigations, I have been compelled to conclude that
there is no hope of discovering Erik's family.

"The question that arises for us to decide, my dear Hersebom, and
particularly for you, is what we ought to say to the boy, and what
we ought to do for him.

"If I were in your place, I should now tell him all the facts about
himself which affect him so nearly, and leave him free to choose
his own path in life. You know we agreed to adopt this course if my
efforts should prove unsuccessful. The time has come for you to
keep your word. I have wished to leave it to you to relate all this
to Erik. He is returning to Noroe still ignorant that he is not
your son, and he does not know whether he is to return to Stockholm
or remain with you. It is for you to tell him.

"Remember, if you refuse to fulfill this duty, Erik would have the
right some day, perhaps, to be astonished at you. Recall to mind
also that he is a boy of too remarkable abilities to be condemned
to an obscure and illiterate life. Such a sentence would have been
unmerited two years ago, and now, after his brilliant career at
Stockholm, it would be positively unjustifiable.

"I therefore renew my offer: let him return to me and finish his
studies, and take at Upsal the degree of Doctor of Medicine. I will
continue to provide for him as if he were my own son, and he has
only to go on and win honors and a fortune.

"I know that, in addressing you and the excellent adopted mother of
Erik, I leave his future in good hands. No personal consideration,
I am sure, will prevent you from accepting my offer. Take Mr.
Malarius' advice in this matter.

"While awaiting your reply, Mr. Hersebom, I greet you
affectionately, and I beg you to remember me most kindly to your
worthy wife and children.

"R.W. SCHWARYENCRONA, M.D."

When the fisherman had finished reading this letter, Dame Katrina, who
had been silently weeping while she listened to it, asked him what he
intended to do.

"My duty is very clear," he said. "I shall tell the boy everything."

"That is my opinion also; it must be done, or we should never have
another peaceful