But on the thirtieth day--the time when the Singing Swan should come for him was long passed, but Halfred thought not of that--the two went out with hooks and lines to catch fish. For Moëngal's provisions were exhausted.
In the midst of the island lay a dark lake, surrounded by steep high cliffs. But from the lake a streamlet flowed to the open sea. In a small boat they could row upon this lake, and down the streamlet to the sea. And there were many splendid fish called silver salmon in the lake, and in the stream, and even down in the salt sea.
And Halfred and Thoril rowed over the lake the whole morning, and laid ground hooks and nets.
And when, towards mid-day, the heat burned more and more fiercely down upon them, Halfred said--
"Come away from this shadeless depth. There above, on the cliff, I see falling the glittering spray of a silver rill--amidst alders, amidst wild roses it springs. There above, it is cool and shady. Easily shall we find a grotto in the rock. I long for that fresh spring water. And there above, to the left, nod dark sweet berries--they quench the thirst, and young boys love them. Let us climb up. I will gladly aid thee."
And slowly they climbed the steep face of the cliff. Thoril now aided, now followed by Halfred.
Then there floated to them, half-way up to the fountain, a strong perfume from a hollow linden tree, like wine, but it was wild honey which the wood-bees had gathered there.
And Thoril dipped his forefinger deep in the bright thick mixture, and laid it upon Halfred's lips, and smiled at him, and said--
"Take it. It is very sweet."
And most enchanting he looked.