CHAPTER VIII
THE TRIP
That evening Erik dined with the banker and his family. The banker's little girl was named Inga and the boy, Johan. Johan was Erik's age; Inga was younger.
When dinner was over, the children were excused from the table and both rushed up to their parents crying, "I first! I first!"
This same thing happened every day. They always argued as to which should be the first to kiss their parents and to thank them for their bountiful meal.
Erik was bursting with happiness and also with the bountiful meal. Herr Banker's letter was safely tucked away in his pocket. He wondered whether it might not be well to send it right off. But he decided not to.
He wanted to be there to watch Greta's joy and Nils's relief and the Baron's departure. Besides, what difference would a few days make? Erik could hardly have guessed.
And so, the letter still in his pocket, he left Stockholm several days later with Herr Banker and his family. They were bound for the island of Gotland.