We sank into silence.
Another hour went by, and I believed I had fallen into a light, troubled doze, less sleepful than a waking daydream, when I heard my name pronounced, and instantly started up.
'What is it?' I cried.
'My father is asking for you,' answered Helga.
I leaned over the cot and felt for his hand, which I took. It was of a deathlike coldness, and moist.
'I am here, Captain Nielsen,' said I.
'If God preserves you,' he exclaimed, very faintly, 'you will keep your word?'
'Be sure of it—be sure of it,' I said, knowing that he referred to what had passed between us about Helga.
'I thank you,' he whispered. 'My sight seems dark; yet is not that the moon down there?'
'Yes, father,' answered the girl.