"It pays better than the savings bank, anyway," said Cilia, when he grumbled.
"Maybe; but it's a wearisome business all the same, this steam chartering. And we've other things to think about but what pays best."
And off he went on board his own old-fashioned Birkebeineren.
XIX
NILS PETTER'S LEGACY
The news ran like wildfire through the town: Nils Petter Jorgensen had been left a million gylden by his wife's uncle in Holland. It was true as could be; Justice Heidt had had a letter from the Queen to say so.
"Jantje!" roared Nils Petter out into the wash-house, where his wife stood in a cloud of steam and soapsuds.
"What is it, husband?" Jantje appeared in the doorway, little, stout and smiling, with her sleeves rolled up and the perspiration thick on her forehead.
"Come into the parlour a minute."