"Because many Lapps are dirty," replied Birger, feeling just as miserable as Erik looked. "They don't bathe, nor eat from dishes, nor sleep in beds, as good Swedish people do."
"I shall bathe, and eat from dishes, and sleep in beds all the rest of my life," said Erik, his face very white, his eyes very angry. "And I shall learn to use that strange tool that makes loud music," he added.
Lieutenant Ekman stood in the doorway, listening to his words. "Good," he said heartily; "that is the way for you to talk. And you shall learn to use many other tools, too. I have made arrangements to-day for you to work in the ironworks at Göteborg, where they make steamers, engines and boilers. I have a friend there who will look after you, and see that you are taught a good trade."
"But, Father," cried Birger, "Göteborg is a long way from Stockholm! How can Erik go so far alone?"
"I am going over to Göteborg myself next month," replied Inspector Ekman, "and he can go with me. A new lightship is ready to be launched, and I shall have to inspect it and give the certificate before it is accepted by the government."
"Let us go with you! Let us go, too!" begged the twins, dancing round and round their father.
"But what will become of Karen?" he asked.
Gerda and Birger stopped short and looked at their new friend. It was plain to be seen that she was not strong enough to take such a trip.
Fru Ekman put her arm tenderly around the little lame girl. "Karen will visit me," she said kindly.
So it was decided that the twins should go to Göteborg with their father by way of the Göta Canal. When the day for the journey arrived, the satchels were packed once more, and Gerda showed Karen how to water her plants and feed her pet parrot in her absence.