"He is alive!"
The boat had to be taken far up the stream, in order that the current might drive it to the other shore. Floating pieces of rafts and forest trees with roots and branches made the journey across long and difficult.
"Give me an oar--I've seen how it's done," begged Thoma. Anton did so; but the oar soon escaped from her hand and floated away.
"Be brave and strong, as you always are," was all that Anton said to her.
When they reached the shore she hastily begged her friends to let her go alone to her father. She could not say that she wished to keep her father from seeing the counselor, although he was so kind and friendly.
Thoma hastened to her father. The old miller was with him, and fortunately the physician also. The dog, on whose head Landolin's hand was resting, stood by the bed. The miller was unfastening the spiked collar, so that Landolin should not prick himself.
The physician motioned to Thoma to be quiet and keep at a distance, and she heard her father moan out:
"Where is she? Kate! Kate! Rope round the neck!"
Thoma could control herself no longer, but ran forward, kneeled at her father's bed and caught his hand.
"'Tis good that you are here. That's right," said Landolin. "Come here, Anton: I have brought her for you, and--the forest is yours, and the prize cow, and----"