At the end of a ledge he found the remains of a ladder made of birch-poles.
"So I told him; but, to try him, I said I knew one thing, that a quantity of fresh fish would be wanted when the bishop comes with his train, and I asked him whether he would go fishing with me as soon as we could hear that the bishop was drawing near."
"He would not agree to that, I fancy."
"He asked how far out I thought of going. Of course I said to Vogel islet—at least as far as Vogel islet. Do you know, grandfather, I thought he would have knocked me down at the word. He muttered something, I could not hear what, to get off. By that time we were laying the last trough. I asked him to go for some more; and the minute he was out of sight I scampered here. Now, what sort of a mind do you think this fellow has?"
"Not an easy one, it is plain. It is too clear also that he thinks Rolf is drowned."
"But do you think so, grandfather?"
"Do you think so, grandson?"
"Not a bit of it. Depend upon it, Rolf is all alive, if he is swimming and staring, and throwing his arms about in the water. I think I see him now. And I will see him, if he is to be seen alive or dead."
"And pray how?"
"I ought to have said, if you will help me. You say sometimes, grandfather, that you can pull a good stroke with the oar still, and I can steer as well as our master himself; and the fiord never was stiller than it is to-day. Think what it would be to bring home Rolf, or some good news of him! We would have a race up to the seater afterwards to see who could be the first to tell Erica."