So we stepped into the boat straightway, and the woman sat aft and
paddled deftly with the steering oar, and we glided away from the
land.
Soon we were come so far that we could but just see our pavilion
through the haze, which had somewhat thickened, and we said to the
woman that she should go about and make for the shore, and that then
we would go to and fro a while along by our stead. She nodded
yeasay, and began by seeming to dight the craft for return. But
therewith the haze was grown suddenly into a low cloud, which came
down upon us from the south-west in the arms of a cold breeze, that
grew stronger every minute, so no wonder it was though the steerer
might not keep head to wind; and then who was afraid and ashamed save
ourselves?
But the woman said, and there seemed to be a mock in her voice: Ill
luck, pretty ladies! Now is there nought for it but to drive, if we
would not drown. But belike this duskiness will clear presently, and
then at least we shall know whither we be going; and we may either
turn back, or seek some other shelter, for I know the lake well; I
know, I know.
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