Again a sighing of the trees on the hillside, and a mournful sound from the straining stems. The coming dawn threw a grey light on the rocky face of Neitokallio; far over the meadows a bird was calling.
"Getting light—'tis time we were about," said Olof, rising to his feet.
The men stared at him in wonder; his voice was strange and hard as that of the old man who had spoken before.
"Up with you—come!" said Olof, with sudden impatience. And, turning abruptly, he strode down to the shore.
The men stared after him, then, rising, covered their fire, and followed down to the river.
HAWTHORN
No! I must live while I am young; breathe freely while I can! But you,
Hawthorn—do you know what life is?"
"Yes," the girl answered fervently; "it is love!"
"It is something else besides. Youth and spring and courage—and fate, that brings the children of men together."
"Yes…? I wonder why I never thought of that myself."