"Ugh! I am glad I did not live in those cruel days, aren't you, Erik?"
But Erik shook his head and laughed. "Just think what fun it would be to sail away in a brave ship, out on the wild ocean where no man had ever been before. Those old Vikings were as strong as giants and feared nothing in the world. I must finish studying my lessons now, but I'll tell you another tale some other time."
CHAPTER III.
YULE-TIDE
"I'll bring you a gingerbread goat," said Sigrid to little Anders as she started for the Christmas market with her mother.
"Next year you shall go too, my son," said Mrs. Lund. She kissed the little lad, who was trying to look brave because he must stay at home. From the nursery window, he watched them as far as he could see down the long avenue. Behind Sigrid and her mother, a cheery-faced housemaid followed at a respectful distance. She carried a huge market-basket.
"Just think, mother. There are only three days before Christmas. Won't it be jolly to see grandma and Aunt Frederika and all the cousins?" said Sigrid, who was dancing along beside her mother.
"Yes, indeed. They will all be here by to-morrow night," replied the mother.