Part 11 (1/2)

”Yes, not only compliments; but also a quant.i.ty of merchandise,” replied Magde, who, after a moment's reflection had concluded that it was better not to make a secret of it, ”as Ragnar had a little overplus he concluded to send us a few necessary articles from Goteborg. We are poor, and cannot demand credit until he returns.”

”It is better not to do so,” replied her visitor, ”but at present we have neither Jon Jonson nor Ragnar to speak about. A certain person in this neighborhood has placed himself in an unpleasant position.”

”Who can it be?” exclaimed Magde, terrified by Mr. Fabian's imposing aspect, ”I will run and call father!”

”If the old man is not at home,” replied her visitor concealing his joy by a.s.suming a frown of vexation, ”it will be better not to call him as it will only cause the venerable man much pain.”

”Tell me, do tell me, what has been done?” stammered the frightened woman.

”I refer to your brother Carl!”

”Carl, the half-witted Carl.”

”O, he is in no want of wit, and his weak mind shall not serve him as a protection when he stands before the justice. Theft is theft, no matter who commits it. At least so the law considers it.”

”The game!” cried Magde clasping her hands in despair and terror.

”You are right, the game that he stole from me this morning while I was sleeping. I knew full well that the proud and conscientious Magde, would not deny that he had brought it home.”

”But who could have--have--”

”Right, who could have believed that he would have done so, and that is the very point, and an unlucky one, for it proves that he must have been seen while committing the theft.”

”How terrible this is! A few days ago I happened to say that I wished we had some game for our old father, and now--now--”

”Calm yourself,” interrupted Mr. Fabian, extending his hand and enforcing his consolation by a love-tap upon Magde's shoulder. In her affliction Magde did not withdraw from this salute, and Mr. Fabian had an opportunity of gazing upon her lovely neck for a full moment, to prolong which he would have given the value of a hundred hares and partridges. But Magde arousing herself from her stupor, looked her guest full in the face, and there read an expression which displeased her.

With a blush she replaced the handkerchief around her neck, and suddenly enquired:

”What then, sir, is the real intention of your visit? You said you would not disturb us, and as the game is untouched we can return it immediately.”

”The game is not the object of my visit.”

”What is then?”

”The theft. Carl will be brought before the justice, I told you there was a witness to his crime.”

”But how can that happen unless you enter a complaint?”

”Have I not the right to enforce the law which is made to protect our property? but it is possible that I might hush the matter up if I chose; and when I fancy that I see the poor fellow under arrest, when I behold him in the culprit's box, in the court-room; when I--”

”May G.o.d protect him!” interrupted Magde, ”you have said enough, Mr.

H----. I am but the wife of a poor sailor; but if my humble prayers will be of the least avail--” and Magde, the proud Magde, who before had often dismissed Mr. Fabian with disdainful gestures, now clasped her hands, and looked into his face with an expression of tearful entreaty.

”O, do not despair, my dear Magde,” said he, ”such tender prayers and looks, have a wonderful influence upon me. Aside from that your present att.i.tude is perfectly charming.”

Overpowered by a sudden revulsion of feelings, Magde closed her eyes, and sank her head upon her bosom.

”I see,” said she, ”that you do not intend to a.s.sist us from our present trouble.”