Undine and whispered, 'Kühleborn, will we not be in his power if we
sail down the river?'

His beautiful wife only laughed. She was too happy now to fear her
uncle's power.

They therefore got ready for the journey with much merriment and many
hopes.

When at length the three travellers, with their attendants, set out on
their voyage, it seemed as though all would be as joyful as they had
wished. As they sailed on, the river grew more broad, more green the
grasses too in the rich meadow-lands.

But erelong a shadow crept across their joy. The river, indeed, flowed
smooth as before, the country smiled only more graciously upon the
travellers, but Kühleborn had already begun to show that on this part
of the river he could use his power.

Undine, it is true, reproved her uncle before he had done more than
play a few tricks upon them. Yet though he would cease his pranks when
she spoke, it was but a few moments before he was as troublesome as
ever.

Soon the crew began to crowd together, whispering fearfully and
glancing timidly at the knight and his fair ladies. Kühleborn was
making them afraid.

Huldbrand saw their strange glances and he began to grow angry. He
even muttered crossly, 'This is Undine's mad uncle come to disturb us.