"I believe," whispered Hund, "that the strong hand pulled him down—down to the bottom."
"I knew it," said Erica, turning away.
"Erica—one word," exclaimed Hund. "I must stay here—I am very miserable, and I must stay here and work, and work till I get some comfort. But you must tell me how you think of me—you must say that you do not hate me——"
"I do hate you," said Erica with disgust, as her suspicions of his wanting to fill Rolf's place were renewed, "I mistrust you, Hund, more deeply than I can tell."
"Will no penitence change your feelings, Erica? I tell you I am as miserable as you."
"That is false, like everything else that you say," cried Erica. "I wish you would go—go and seek Rolf under the waters."
Hund shuddered at the thought, as it recalled what he had seen and heard at the islet. Erica saw this, and sternly repeated—
"Go and bring back Rolf from the deeps, and then I will cease to hate you."
As Erica slowly returned into Peder's house, Oddo ran past, and was there before her. He closed the door when she had entered, put his hand within hers, and said—
"Did Rolf really tell you that he should be safe anywhere near Vogel islet?"