"It is old," protested the commissioner, "and it isn't my discovery! But now we shall as prudent beings think of a last resort, for even if we get stromling and don't get a price for it on account of herring being caught again on the west coast, we must have something else In readiness."
"It is the salmon?"
"It is the salmon, which must be found here, but I haven't seen it."
"You have told me this much before, but now I should like to know how you can know it."
"I shall reduce the fraction and in a few words tell the reason of my stay here. The salmon wander as do the other migrating birds."
"The salmon a bird?"
"Certainly, a perfect migratory bird. It is to be found near the rivers of Norrland, and has been caught twice in nets round the islands of the north passage. It has been taken near Gotland and in the whole southward passage; therefore it must pass by here. Now it is your task to trace it out with floating trails. Have you the desire to do it, in the capacity of my assistant, to obtain my salary?"
The last word came suddenly, but with calculation, and did not fail in its intent.
"I shall make money, mamma," cried Miss Mary in a playful tone, intended to hide the joy she really felt. "But," added she, "what will you do then?"
"I shall lie on my sofa, and spoil nature for you."