The Castle Builder. III

THE CASTLE BUILDER. » ", BY NEPHI ANDERSON, AUTHOR OP ADDED UPON," MARCUS KING, MORMON," ETC. PART FIRST. III. SHOOLING AND CONFIRMATION. There is a something, a wonderful, self-existing, powerful some- thing, within the human soul, which training can not eradicate nor environment completely crush out; it is the spark of eternal fire which the human brings with him from the regions of celestial space as an heritage from God the Father, a fire which serves as a light by which he can read God's revelations to him throughout his mortal career. Pity the human race without it! This mystery of godliness is as the glint of a golden thread through life's fabric : to the child it is given in the love that it has for its rag doll; to the boy, in the joy which he has in the possession of a bag of marbles; to the youth, in the sweet hopes of love returned in kind; to the man, in the faith of life eternal. It was this occasional revelation of Godlight to Harald Einer- sen which supported him, as it does all of us. In the very nature of things, the thinly clad, poorly fed boy was very much absorbed in the tasks of keeping his body warm and satisfying his hunger, but for all that, at times his boy-spirits leaped beyond the restrain- ing walls, and roamed freely out into the wonderful and enticing realms of the big world's life. Seemingly trifling things touched the magic fire, and opened the heavens to him : The call of a bird on a summer's morning; the murmur of the creek; the roar of the waterfall; the sighing of the wind in the tree tops; the sight of a

176 . IMPROVEMENT ERA. pretty flower; the reddening of the sky; the soft shadows of a departing day — such were the magic keys that let him out into the everlasting dominion of time and space, and gave into his posses- sion all that God hath created wherewith to build for himself cas- tles of wondrous beauty and grandeur. The summer advanced as only a summer in Norway can. The sun was in the sky for twenty hours or more at a time, and this rapidly warmed the earth, and made vegetation spring upward as if by magic. Harald enjoyed the summer. He was out of doors most of the time with the sheep; and he reveled in the wild nature around him. Best of all, the season was favorable to the growing crops. The vegetables in the little garden soon became large enough to eat, and, as soon as the potatoes were the size of a bird's egg, some were dug and made into potato cake. There was yet very little flour to be obtained, but the fish had come back to the nearby coast, and there had been a good spring catch. So, with fish and potatoes, and the addition of milk which the new grass brought, the children began to get enough to eat once more. Harald received the sum of two dollars for one summer's work, in herding sheep. This had been his salary for three past years; and how proudly he took the silver coins home, when he had been paid, and threw them into his grandmother's lap. This summer, it occured to him that he ought to earn more money. The two dollars certainly could not go very far, though handled by the very careful grandmother. Lately they had received very little help from his father, and grandmother was getting older and not able to work so hard. Besides, his own clothing was getting shabby. He sat on a grass bank watching the sheep, thinking about these things, one afternoon. The boy's shoes were patch upon patch, and he amused himself by trying to pick out which of the small pieces of which the shoe was composed be- longed to the original shoe. He would also need some new cloth- ing for winter, and the long-looked-for day of confirmation would come next winter. He must be better dressed on that day, at least. As regards his schooling and confirmation, he was some- what behind. The hardships of the past winter had prevented him from attending school regularly like many of his mates, and so he had failed to prepare for the last examination and confirmation,.

THE CASTLE BUILDER. 177 when he should have completed his schooling. This had hurt the boy, and, as he thought of it now, he resolved to study hard and not miss next time. Meanwhile, he must 'earn some more money. Just at that moment a trout in the pool, into which he was looking, came to the surface, whisked its tail out of the water, as if to say, "catch me." Harald seemed to hear it, and said, "I will.'* Fresh trout brought a good price down at Vangen; why not catch some to sell? But he had no hook nor line, so he took off his shoes and stockings and waded into the shallow creek. He could see half a dozen speckled beauties darting through the water, and he meant to have some of them. First he enclosed the pool with large stones, in a way that would allow the water to escape, but not the fish. Then he sub-divided the pond into smaller divisions, and continued thus until the fish were so closely penned that they could be caught with the hands. With running after the sheep and this work, it took him all the afternoon, but he was rewarded with the possession of four fair-sized trout. The boy was all aglow with his success. He had his fish nicely strung on a willow, and was speculating on how he could get them to a market; when, who should come down the path lead- ing across the brook but Herr Juel, the schoolmaster. He stopped and looked at the boy and his fish, and then saw, by the numerous dams in the water, how he had caught them. The schoolmaster and Harald were good friends. The boy admired the man of great learning, and he had a fixed opinion that the schoolmaster could repeat every word in the catechism by heart. The schoolmaster, also, had much respect for Harald "the best boy in school," when he attended. "You caught them, I see, Harald," said Herr Juel, and he emphatically trilled his r as evety loyal Norwegian should. "They will make a fine dinner for you." "I'm going to sell them, sir." "To whom, Harald?" "To anybody who will buy. You see," said he as if it had suddenly occurred to him, "you see, I must be making money if I am to get ready for school, and I mean to be confirmed next win- ter sure."

178 IMPROVEMENT ERA. "That's a good resolution, my boy — but how much do you ask for your fish?" He named a price which, as it was to the schoolmaster, was a very low one. Herr Juel paid the boy double the amount and took the fish. He was about to go on his way when Harold asked : ''When does school begin again?" ''Within two weeks," was the reply. "I fear that it will be as bad as ever," said the boy, "because I can't start then, and I shall be so far behind again — and you know, the school stays such a short time at our house." "Nuh," spoke the master, "you're an ambitious boy, and we'll see what can be done. Perhaps we can arrange to have you go with me to the different localities. I'll not forget you, Harald." This thought had not occurred to the boy. If only he might. The school stayed but two days last winter at the house where he attended, and then moved on to the next, and it was a whole week before it came back; but if he could go with the schoolmaster, along with the school, he could surely catch up. The boy was in a small fever of excitement to get home to consult his grandmother about the plan. Shortly thereafter, he had another talk with the schoolmas- ter. In fact, Herr Juel came to the house, and the three talked it all over; it was finally arranged that Harald should have all the chances possible for the coming year. He was very much elated. But the money question continued to worry him. He even thought of going down to Vangen and apply- ing to Merchant Bernhard for a raise in wages; but this he did not do, for the chief reason that Thora might see him in his ragged coat and patched shoes — and, somehow, his feelings in this matter had undergone a change in the past few months. However, all that summer he kept his eyes open for every opportunity to earn money, and, before fall, had deposited with his banker — his grand- mother— quite a pile of copper and silver coins. Harald's father, Einer Gundersen, did- not willfully neglect his oldest son, but the fact that the boy lived with his grandmother, and they both seemed to get along as well as his wife and other children did, led the father to believe that very little of his help was needed. Harald scarcely ever came to him for assistance or

THE CASTLE BUILDER. 179 advice, so Einer was somewhat surprised, one day early in the autumn, to see Harald come to the "other house," stepping proudly in a new pair of shoes. Einer looked closely at his boy. How big and strong and rosy he had become ! and there was his mother's wavy hair and gray-blue eyes; and when he smiled, which he now did, the father's heart was touched with a joy akin to that first love, long ago. "Father, I want to go to school," began the boy quite boldly. His new shoes seemed to give 'him a firmer footing. "Well, my boy, of course you'll go to school. Herr Juel told me the other day that he wished me to get my largest room ready for the school which will be here next week." "Yes, but father, I want to go longer than the few days it will be kept here. I never will catch up if I don't, and I wish to be confirmed this winter. The schoolmaster said he would let me go around with him whenever he moves the school. Then, some- times I would have to stay away from home nights and — and, I could do it if Halger and you would take care of the sheep and — • and grandmother." His father looked at the boy silently. Then Harald, fearful of a refusal, or perhaps a worse thing if his father lost his temper, pushed out a foot and showed his new shoe. "I've earned and saved money enough during the summer to buy a pair of shoes," he said "and grandmother is making me clothes which my wages will pay for. So you see, I'll look about as well as any of the boys." "You'll not only look as well, but you'll do as well, too, my boy. We'll see what can be done for you to help you out." The weeks following, Harald worked unceasingly to get ready for his school. There were many things to do, the greatest of which was to provide wood for his grandmother's pot stove. He worked early and late at his woodpile, and as he worked, his castle of learning arose in beauty before him. Yes, he would not be satisfied with confirmation, but would go on to the high school at Vangen, and then who could tell — he might be able to go to the Seminary at Trondhjem, or even to the University at Christianial Surely, then, he would be as wise as the schoolmaster or even Herr Ingman, the priest.

180 IMPROVEMENT ERA. So Harald received his chance. His father was to feed the sheep, when he would be away, but Halger had also been converted to the plan, since the father, though he meant ever so well, could not be depended upon. The school came to their district with the first snowfall of the season; but he did not care for the snow or cold now. His woolen stockings and leather shoes kept his toes warm, and he could not be cold, he told his grandmother in his new suit of homespun. It did not take Harald Einersen long to stand number one in his class, and he kept that position easily all the winter, though at one time he thought he would lose it. That was when his grand- mother became sick^ and, as his father was away on a bout, the boy had to stay at home for a week; but he made good use of his vacation, as the woodpile grew large again, and he studied his lessons in the evening. During that week he was also quite lucky with his traps and snares in the woods, catching a good many wild liens which always brought a good price in the market at Vangen. His principal studies at school were arithmetic, geography, a little history — much of it told by the master, Bible history and the ■catechism. Most of the time was spent on the religious branches, supposedly, on the grounds that they wei-e the hardest, and most important. Harald agreed with the first proposition, but could hardly see the wisdom of the second, the catechism consisted of questions and answers on the Christian religion as propounded by Lutheran divines. As the youth was to become acquainted with the fundamental principles of Christianity, these were given and explained under five headings: 1. The Ten Commandments. 2. Paith. 3. The Lord's Prayer. 4. Baptism. 5. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Though exceedingly dry to him, he managed to commit to memory most of the book. He could not be con- firmed without this knowledge, so he went at it with a will. He liked his mathematics, and was quick at solving problems. His Bible was interesting reading as it was, but when it was chopped up into questions and answers, it lost its vitality to the boy. As the winter advanced, Harald took his turn with the other boys and girls and went to Pastor Ingman once each week to be -examined on the progress made in their religious training, as the pastor supervised this branch of the young people's education.

THE CASTLE BUILDER. 181 Some who were eighteen years old, were yet going to the pastor. These were the dullards, who could not "get religion into their heads," hence could not be confirmed — and, until they were con- firmed, they were yet a sort of heathen, or children who could not be left to battle with the evil in the world. Harald preferred going to school than to the priest's. The schoolmaster understood him, but the priest was cold and very formal in his instructions, and Harald often ^begrudged the two mile walk to the parsonage. However, he never failed to answer correctly the priest's questions, and he stood number one at the priest's also, as well as at the school. That was a happy winter for Harald, and when the spring came again he felt strong and ready for 'any test. He -got high marks in his examination and went to the priest the last time be- fore confirmation without fear of the results. That day he was to carry away the number of his position in the class on the day of confirmation, which was to be the Sunday following. He had hopes that he would still stand at the head. He had certainly worked for it. When the names were read out, number one was not Har- ald Einersen, neither number two nor three. All these belonged to some boys of well-to-do parents, and Harald's was number four. When he heard it, his face burned with indignation. He had surely done better than any of the three boys ahead of him. He looked at the priest to see if there had not been a mistake, but there was no recognition in the pastor's eye. Even the boys, when outside, were quiet, as if something not altogether right had happened. Harald got home as soon as possible; and that evening he told his grand- mother what had happened. "I can't go to confirmation next Sunday, grandmother," he said. "It will be such a disgrace. I who have been at the head all the time to now stand number four. 0, grandmother, why did he do it?" "Hush, my boy, of course you'll go next Sunday. Number four is not bad, there will be a great many lower than that. After all, what does it amount to, where you stand in the row. Remem- ber that God looks at your true qualifications and will see you at number four as well as at number one. The ceremony is between yourself and your God, and not between you and the priest."

182 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ''But it's so hard to be disappointed." "It may be hard for some boys, Harald, who have not done their best, but for you it should not be." So with her soothing talk, Harald was quieted and he promised to go through the ordeal with a stout heart. Confirmation Sunday came warm and clear, with just enough wind to blow the boats on the fjord merrily to the church. Some of the farmers drove in their carts, but Harald walked with his grandmother, who would go, though she was not strong. The church was located three miles down the fjord towards Van- gen. Some boys and girls from that small sea port were also to be confirmed that day. As the ceremony of confirmation is a red-letter day in the lives of. the young, there were many people out. The church was crowded. Two rows of seats had been arranged, one on each side of the large center aisle, and on these the boys and girls who were to be confirmed were seated. The girls sat on one side, the boys on the other, according to their grade number, number one being towards the altar. Harald mechanically took his seat in his place. His grandmother sat directly opposite him on the regular seats, and he could see many people whispering in surprise to her. The boys had on their best, which with one or two exceptions was not very fine. The girls were now at the magic point where the change from childhood to maidenhood takes place. They were therefore allowed to wear their dresses quite long, and their hair done up in coils. Harald did not see much that was going on around him, until a girl came in, walked up the aisle and took the vacant seat at the head of the girls' row. Then he gave a little start, and his face turned a little paler. He had not known that Thora Bernhard was to be confirmed that day. But was that tall girl in a black dress Thora? Harald hardly dared to look across to make sure. Yes; the hair was combed smoothly over the white forehead, and al- though she seemed so tall to him, it was certainly Thora. And there he was sitting in number four instead of opposite her, at number one. He had not courage to look up. The opening serv- ices were long and painful, and when they were all told to stand, Harald saw Thora looking at him. She seemed somewhat surprised

THE CASTLE BUILDER. 183 at the tall, broad-shouldered boy, and Harald was sure that there was a look of disappointment in her face when she comprehended his position. Then the priest began to ask the usual catechisation as a public test of their religious knowledge. Harald answered his questions accurately, but as the priest went on down the line the boy's attention did not go with him. It rather strayed to the pale face at the head of the opposite row. Then the priest spoke some impressive words to the class on the importance of living a good Christian life. They would now be held responsible for their own conduct, and he hoped the religious instructions they had re- ceived would be of great aid to them in the battle against the evil in the world. Many of the boys and girls cried, but Harald did not. He gave the usual assent to the priest's questions whether he would forsake the devil and all his works, etc. Harald was glad that it was all over. The occasion was sol- emn enough to many minds, but to Harald that day, it was rather more painful than impressive. Outside the church, his grand- mother whispered to him "You stood it well, my boy," but Har- ald had a hard time to keep the lump in his throat from choking him. Then when he overheard some of the boys telling what valu- able presents their parents had given the priest, he could stand the presence of people no longer, so urged his grandmother to go home with him. The afternoon sun was getting low in the north-western heav- ens when the two trudged through the short-cut forest path to their home in the clearing. The trees cast long shadows; the wind moaned in the branches; the birds ceased their singing. Grandmother had to sit down and rest, once in a while, and then on any other occasion Harald would have hunted for wild flowers, but this afternoon he sat down beside the tired woman, seemingly as tired as she. Then as they came down the hill into the main traveled road again, they heard the rattle of a cariole coming towards them up the road. Harald turned and saw that it was Merchant Bernhard and his daughter. As they came up, they stopped, and Thora, scraping the soil from the wheel with her gloved hand leaned over and said to the boy: