But no, not a single floating plank or spar did they meet on the whole of this route, which is so much frequented at the conclusion of the fishing season.

Still, we must take measures to secure information of a more positive nature.

If we receive no further news of the 'Viking' during the coming week, nor any letter from Ole, I shall return to Christiania and ask the Naval Department to make careful inquiries, and I feel sure that the result will prove eminently satisfactory to all concerned." In spite of the hopeful manner assumed by the professor, Joel and Hulda both felt that he did not speak as confidently as he had spoken before the receipt of the letter from Bergen--a letter whose contents gave them little if any grounds for hope.

In fact, Sylvius Hogg no longer dared to venture any allusion to the approaching marriage of Hulda and Ole Kamp, though he said to himself again and again: "No, no, it is impossible! Ole Kamp never cross the threshold of Dame Hansen's house again?
Ole not marry Hulda?
Nothing will ever make me believe such a misfortune possible." He was perfectly sincere in this conviction.

It was due to the energy of his character, to a spirit of hopefulness that nothing could crush.
But how could he hope to convince others, especially those whom the fate of the "Viking" affected so directly?
A few days were allowed to elapse.