CHAPTER VII.
THROUGH THE GÖTA CANAL
The gong clanged. The big steamer churned the water into foamy suds as it left the wharf at Stockholm. Sigrid and her father and mother waved their handkerchiefs to the friends on shore as long as they could see them.
"Let us find seats in the bow of the boat, where we shall have a good view of the canal," said Mrs. Lund.
"I never was in such a large boat before. It is just like a house," cried Sigrid, who was much excited.
"Wait till you see the small state-room with the red plush sofas that turn down at night for a bed," said Major Lund. "We must leave all these posies there before we come on deck again."
All three of them had their arms full of flowers which their friends had brought them.
"How long will it take us to get to Aunt Frederika's house, father?"
"Nearly three days. You will enjoy the trip, Sigrid. We are to cross the whole of Sweden. But we shall see beautiful country and many old castles before we reach Göteborg. You won't have to stay on the steamer all the time, for we shall often get off at the locks and wander through old towns."
"Wherever shall we sleep?" Mrs. Lund asked with a smile. The great mass of flowers almost filled the tiniest room you ever saw. They finally had to throw some of them away when they went to bed.