Was it indeed a rainbow? Was it a gray cloud? Ah, no! It was a red ship speeding onward, and the rainbow was the spray that she dashed from her cleaving prow. [[308]]
The vessel drew nearer, she was in plain sight, she loomed up large upon the waters. The fisherman could see the oars rising and falling, he could see the rowers sitting upon the benches. Then he heard clearly the shouting of the young men and the singing of the maidens, and above all the clear, commanding tones of the master.
With wild gestures he ran far out upon the beach, shouting loudly over the water:
“Who are you, O sailormen? What ship is this with crimson prow that ploughs the sea so swiftly?”
Three times he shouted and made inquiry, and then from the rowers came the answer:
“Who are you, lone fisherman? Why do you dwell on this bleak promontory far from your fellow-men?”
“My name is Ahti,” answered the long-armed one. “I dwell here because it is my home and I have no other. I am strong, I am wise. Even though you tell me nothing I know your steersman: he is Wainamoinen, the great Minstrel. I know your master oarsman: he is Ilmarinen, the prince of wizards.”
By this time the ship was close inshore, but [[309]]still speeding on its way. Then the rowers rested on their oars, and it was easy to understand all that was being said whether on the ship or on the shore.
“Where are you going, O heroes?” asked the fisherman. “Why do you sail so swiftly through these barren waters?”
“We are sailing to the North Country,” answered the Minstrel. “We are going to the Frozen Land, to the shores of Pohyola, where we shall ask Dame Louhi to share the Sampo with us.”