The seagulls were startled, and became attentive.
"Ahoy! Ahoy!" replied from the boat the clear voice of Malva.
"Who have you got with you?"
The only reply he received was a laugh.
"The little devil!" swore Vassili under his breath.
He spat on one side with an offended gesture.
He was full of curiosity. Whilst rolling a cigarette, he scanned the neck and the back of the rower who was approaching rapidly. The noise made by the oars striking the water, rang through the air, and the sand was ground beneath the bare feet of the keeper who was struggling against a nervous fit of curiosity.
"Who is with you?" he cried when he was able to discern the smile, so familiar to him, on the beautiful round face of Malva.
"Just wait!... You will recognize him yourself all right!" she answered laughing.
The rower turned round, and laughing also, looked full at Vassili, The keeper frowned; it appeared to him he had seen the lad before.