to take a proper leave of you that I went on board feeling quite out of sorts; but I have not forgotten you since, except for a moment, now and then, for a sailor has a hard time of it. But now we have reached this place, and I have spent all my pay on presents for you, as you told me to do, and it took all the money mother gave me, too, so now I have nothing left. If I can get leave I will be with you as quickly as the presents; for as long as we keep this secret, I can never feel sure about others, especially young men, of whom there are many; but I am bound to have it sure, so that no one will have an excuse, and that all will have to beware of me. You can easily choose a better lover than I, for you can have whom you please; but you can never get one who is more faithful,—that is what I am. Now I will close, for I have used up two sheets of paper, and the letters are growing large; for this is the hardest thing I have to do; but still I do it, since you wish it. And now, in conclusion, I must say that I take it for granted that you were in earnest; for if you were not in earnest it would be a great shame, and bring unhappiness to many.
Gunnar Ask,
Second mate on the brig The Norse Constitution.
