In the Gothenburg Art Museum they saw the paintings of Sweden's great artist, Anders Zorn. Herr Banker took them to the busy harbor. It was filled with fishing boats and many tiny islands, which looked like red-brown freckles on the water. The sun shone down with real Swedish energy, as though enjoying its work.
Erik heard Herr Banker say that tomorrow they were to leave for Stockholm. They were to cross Sweden in the train.
"And tomorrow night we shall be at home once more," said Fru Banker.
"Oh, let us go by way of the Göta (yû´tä) Canal!" begged Johan. "Erik has never been there, and it is so much fun!"
"But it will take three days longer," objected Fru Banker.
She was eager to return, for there was much to be done in preparation for the yearly holiday at their country home.
"Oh, please!" urged Johan, and now Inga and Erik joined in the chorus. "Please, please!" they cried. "The Göta Canal!"
Fru Banker hesitated. "The time is flying by," she said. "Midsummer Eve will soon be—"
But the chorus of voices shouting, "Please! Please!" drowned out her words.