not to be called unfruitful. A few of the inhabitants pursue
agriculture, but the majority consists of fishermen, who dwell in
small houses and have no land.

His first encounter upon his wandering was with one of those large
covered wagons with which the so-called eelmen, between the days of
St. John and St. Bartholomew, go with eels toward the small towns
lying to the south and east, and then, laden with apples and garden
produce, return home--articles which are rapidly consumed by the
common people. The eelman stopped when he saw and recognized
Otto.

"Welcome, Mr. Otto!" said he. "Yes, you are come over abut a sad
affair! That Major Thostrup should have gone off so! But there was
nothing else to be expected from him he was old enough."

"Death demands his right!" replied Otto, and pressed the man's
hand. "Things go, doubtless, well with you, Morten Chraenseu?"

"The whole cart full of eels, and some smoked carp! It is also good
to meet with you, Mr. Otto. Upon the land a preacher is very good,
but not upon the sea, as they say at home. Yes, you are certainly
now a preacher, or will become one?"

"No, I am not studying to become a preacher!" answered Otto.

"No! will you then become a lawyer? It strikes me you are clever
enough--you have no need to study any more! You will just go and
say a few words to them at home? The grandmother sits and spins
yarn for eel-nets. She has now the cataract on the other eye, but