44^ FARTHEST NORTH 



our silent festival in the spirit, and think of the 

 spring. 



" In my walk I look at Jupiter over there above the 

 crest of the mountain — Jupiter, the planet of the home; 

 it seems to smile at us, and I recognize my good at- 

 tendant spirit. Am I superstitious } This life and this 

 scenery might well make one so; and, in fact, is not 

 every one superstitious, each in his own way? Have 

 not I a firm belief in my star, and that we shall meet 

 again .■* It has scarcely forsaken me for a day. Death, 

 I believe, can never approach before one's mission is 

 accomplished — never comes without one feeling its prox- 

 imity; and yet a cold fate may one day cut the thread 

 without warning. 



"Tuesday, December 24th. At 2 p.m. to-day —24° C. 

 (i 1.2 below zero, Fahr.). And this is Christmas-eve — • 

 cold and windy out-of-doors, and cold and draughty in- 

 doors. How desolate it is ! Never before have we had 

 such a Christmas-eve. 



" xAt home the bells are now ringing Christmas in. 

 I can hear their sound as it swings through the air from 

 the church tower. How beautiful it is ! 



" Now the candles are being lighted on the Christ- 

 mas-trees, the children arc let in and dance round in joy- 

 ous delight. I must have a Christmas party for children 

 when I get home. This is the time of rejoicing, and 

 there is feasting in every cottage at home. And we are 

 keeping the festival in our little way. Johansen has 



