The government vessels carry provision and mail to the inhabitants living along the coast, and we were reminded of our freight or express cars, carrying all kinds of things and delivering them at regular points along the line. The steamer did not present a beautiful appearance, for the deck was greasy and very dirty looking. Quite a smell of fish filled the air, and we found that her main cargo consisted of fish and fish-oil. All of this accounted for the greasy look of the deck and the bad odor which greeted our nostrils. You would be surprised to know how much freight and express is taken on and off at those stations. I passed many hours standing at the railing of the ship watching the process of loading and unloading baggage, passengers and freight, and felt myself well entertained. One time two young girls rowed up alongside of the Kong Halfdan. A rope from the ship was thrown them with which to steady themselves; they caught it and were just in the act of taking hold of their express package when a wave came and washed them back; the second attempt was made, and that time they caught the rope and held tight to it. Do you believe they were scared? Well, they were not; and instead of screaming and saying, “We shall drown. Oh, don’t let us try it again!” they pulled at the oars, and with a merry laugh received the package and then rowed for the shore, laughing and talking. Their package was a guitar, and no doubt the pleasure of having the instrument caused them to row with energy. Women and girls can handle a boat about as well as a man, and they have no more fears of being on water than the farmer’s daughter has when riding upon the back of a horse. At almost every station passengers came aboard, and oh how much we did wish English-speaking people would be of the number, for we did so long to hear our native language spoken. Almost all who took passage on our ship went second cabin. The fare was cheaper and the accommodations accordingly poorer than first cabin. Foreigners don’t mind poor accommodations; they are used to them at home, and it would be useless to pay a high price for anything better than what they are used to.