advanced in this, it kept following close behind us, yet did not
occasion the smallest harm or inconvenience.

"When at times I looked about me at the form, I perceived that the
white face, which had splashed upon us its shower of foam, was
resting on a body equally white, and of more than gigantic size.
Many a time, too, I received the impression that the whole appearance
was nothing more than a wandering stream or torrent; but respecting
this I could never attain to any certainty. We both of us, horse and
rider, became weary as we shaped our course according to the
movements of the white man, who continued nodding his head at us, as
if he would say, 'Quite right!' And thus, at length, we came out
here, at the edge of the wood, where I saw the fresh turf, the waters
of the lake, and your little cottage, and where the tall white man
disappeared."

"Well, Heaven be praised that he is gone!" cried the old fisherman;
and he now began to talk of how his guest could most conveniently
return to his friends in the city. Upon this, Undine began laughing
to herself, but so very low that the sound was hardly perceivable.
Huldbrand observing it, said, "I thought you were glad to see me
here; why, then, do you now appear so happy when our talk turns upon
my going away?"

"Because you cannot go away," answered Undine. "Pray make a single
attempt; try with a boat, with your horse, or alone, as you please,
to cross that forest stream which has burst its bounds; or rather,
make no trial at all, for you would be dashed to pieces by the stones
and trunks of trees which you see driven on with such violence. And
as to the lake, I know that well; even my father dares not venture