With a few vigorous strokes of the oar he propelled the boat swiftly through the rapids, and then leaped upon the little pier beside his sister.
"Has Ole returned ?" he asked, hastily.
It was of Ole that he thought first of all; but his question remained unanswered.
"Have you received no letter from him ?" "Not one." And Hulda burst into tears.
"Don't cry, little sister," exclaimed Joel, "don't cry.

You make me wretched.

I can not bear to see you weep.

Let me see! You say you have received no letter.

The matter is beginning to look a little serious, I must admit, though there is no reason to despair as yet.