I only want to know if you agree with me that the _Palm Tree_ ought to sail to-morrow? BERNICK. Yes—I thought that was settled. VIGELAND. But the captain has just come to tell me that the storm-signals have been hoisted. KRAP. The barometer has fallen rapidly since this morning. BERNICK. Indeed? Is a storm threatening? VIGELAND. A stiff breeze at any rate; but not a contrary wind; quite the reverse—— BERNICK. H’m; what do you say, then? VIGELAND. I say, as I said to the captain, that the _Palm Tree_ is in the hands of Providence. And besides, she is only going over the North Sea to begin with; and freights are pretty high in England just now, so that—— BERNICK. Yes, it would probably mean a loss if we delayed. VIGELAND. The vessel is soundly built, you know, and fully insured too. I can tell you it’s another matter with the _Indian Girl_—— BERNICK. What do you mean? VIGELAND. Why, she is to sail to-morrow too. BERNICK. Yes, the owners hurried us on, and besides—— VIGELAND. Well, if that old hulk can venture out—and with such a crew into the bargain—it would be a shame if we couldn’t—— BERNICK. Well well; I suppose you have the ship’s papers with you. VIGELAND. Yes, here they are. BERNICK. Good; then perhaps you will go with Mr. Krap—— KRAP. This way, please; we shall soon put them in order. VIGELAND. Thanks.—And the result we will leave in the hands of Omnipotence, Consul. [_He goes with_ KRAP _into the foremost room on the left._ DOCTOR RÖRLUND _comes through the garden._ RÖRLUND. What! You at home at this time of the day, Consul! BERNICK. [_Absently._] As you see! RÖRLUND. I looked in to see your wife. I thought she might need a word of consolation. BERNICK. I daresay she does. But I, too, should be glad of a word with you. RÖRLUND. With pleasure, Consul. But what is the matter with you? You look quite pale and upset. BERNICK. Indeed? Do I? Well, can you wonder at it, with such a host of things crowding upon me all at once. Besides all my usual business, I have this affair of the railway——Give me your attention for a moment, Doctor; let me ask you a question. RÖRLUND. By all means, Consul.