he was only sorry he could never have thanked the stranger ; northern firien was the most beautiful landscape he had ever seen , and he had spent several tendays there , using up his next vacation allotment as well , for he had met the young malina and her family that warm season , fishing out on the waters with her cheerful , bombastic father vilner , a man with a hearty laugh , full-fleshed cheeks and stout strength , her quiet , observant , fiery-tempered brother colim , and the garrulous allia .