"What? Oh, what?" cried Erica.
"He was seen fishing on the fiord in that poor little worn-out skiff. I myself saw him. And when I looked next for the skiff, it was gone."
"And where were you?"
"Never mind where I was. I was about my own business. And I tell you, I no more laid a finger on him than any one of you."
"Where was it?"
"Close by Vogel islet."
Erica started, and in one moment's flush of hope told that Rolf had said he should be safe at any time near Vogel islet. Hund caught at her words so eagerly as to make a favourable impression on all, who saw, what was indeed the truth, that he would have been glad to know that Rolf was alive.
"I believe some of the things you have told. I believe that you did not lay hands on Rolf."
"Bless you! Bless you for that!" interrupted Hund, almost forgetting how far he really was guilty.
"Tell me then," proceeded Erica, "how you believe he really perished."