The river rapidly diminished in size, until at the town it was a small stream, over which was a bridge, connecting the two parts of the place. The boats went up to the quay just below this bridge, and the students landed. Dividing into parties, they went where they pleased. Some crossed the bridge, and others went in the direction of the cathedral, which is on the left bank of the river. Dr. Winstock and Lincoln were of the latter. "They have wide streets here," said the young captain. "Yes; land is cheap, and they can have them as wide as they please. In all modern-built Russian cities you will find broad avenues." "The buildings are all but one story high." "Nearly all; and the houses are very much scattered, so that the people do not appear to be very neighborly. Large as the town seems to be, it contains only thirteen thousand inhabitants." "The houses look very neat and nice." "Only a few of them can be very old, for in 1827 nearly the whole city was destroyed by fire, including the university with its library, and many other public edifices. When the town was rebuilt, the people placed the houses at a considerable distance from each other, and built them but one story, because they had not the means to erect larger ones." Passing along the street next to the river, the tourists reached an extensive square, in which there was a statue of Professor Porthan, a learned Finlander. Just beyond it was the cathedral, which is of brick, and far from elegant or imposing in its external appearance. "This is the cradle of Christianity in Finland," said the doctor. "As Mr. Mapps told you, this town was founded by Eric of Sweden, who introduced Christianity into this region. The first bishop was located here; and in this church, for centuries, the first families were buried; and you will not only see their tombs, but also some of their bodies, if you desire." "I should not think that would be permitted," replied Lincoln. "Nor I; but it is. The great fire burned out the interior of this church, destroying the altar and organ, and even melting the bells. The building was repaired by subscription. A baker, who had accumulated about twelve thousand dollars in his business, having no near relatives, gave his little fortune for the purchase of another organ, and his wishes were carried out after his death." A man with a bundle of keys presented himself at this time, bowed, and solemnly opened the door of the cathedral. As the visitors ascended the steps, the man pointed to a rusty ring. "What's that?" asked Lincoln. "In ancient times offenders used to be fastened to that ring, and were compelled to do penance there," replied the doctor. "There's nothing very fine about this," said the captain, as they entered the church.