"But the boat is not deep; I must in that case see her dress," replied Blanden.
Again an anxious pause ensued; then with a loud cry he shouted out Eva's name and rushed down the mountain path to the landing-place.
Wegen followed, shrugging his shoulders.
Soon both friends stood below on the strand.
The boat approached, with regular strokes of the oars; more quickly rolled the thunder across the western sky.
Blanden's pulses throbbed feverishly.
"Where is Eva?" cried he to the idiot boat-woman across the mighty roar of the surf.
No reply. Kätchen was occupied in bringing the boat safely to the shore. She sprang into the water, drew her skiff nearer, and bound it firmly to the post.
"Where is Eva?" repeated Blanden, now in a supreme state of excitement, while he grasped the girl and held her firmly.
"There," said the idiot girl, with imperturbable composure, and pointed to the sea.