"And you shall have the ship again just as suits your heart," said Iver.
"I doubt," answered the taverner, "it will be easier to get the Old Ship to look what she ort, than it will be to get you to look again like a publican's son."
The reconciliation on the old man's side was without cordiality, yet it was accepted by all present with cheers and handshakings.
It was but too obvious that the modish appearance of his son had offended the old man.
"Heaven bless me!" exclaimed Iver, when this commotion was somewhat allayed. He was looking with undisguised admiration and surprise at Mehetabel.
"Why," asked he, pushing his way towards her, "What is the meaning of all this?"
"That is Matabel, indeed," explained his mother. "And this is her wedding day."
"You married! You, Matabel! And, to-day! The day of my return!
Where is the happy man? Show him to me."
His mother indicated the bridegroom. Mehetabel's heart was too full to speak; she was too dazed with the new turn of affairs to know what to do.
Iver looked steadily at Jonas.