earth were parted; at first birds showed themselves in the clear
air; later rose the beasts of the field; and, last of all, appeared
man.

"The morning is fairly sultry," said Wilhelm; "the sea resembles a
mirror: shall we not bathe?"

The proposal was accepted.

"There we have the Naiades already!" said one of the party, as a
swarm of fishermen's wives and daughters, with naked feet, their
green petticoats tucked up, and baskets upon their backs, in which
they carried fish to Copenhagen, came along the road. The gay young
fellows cast toward the prettiest glances as warm and glowing as
that cast by the sun himself, who, at this moment, came forth and
shone over the Sound, where a splendid three-masted vessel had
spread all her sails to catch each breeze. The company reached the
strand.

"There is some one already swimming out yonder," said Wilhelm. "He
stands it bravely. That is an excellent swimmer!"

"Here lie his clothes," remarked another.

"How!" exclaimed Wilhelm: "this is Otto Thostrup's coat! But Otto
cannot swim; I have never been able to persuade him to bathe. Now,
we will out and make a nearer acquaintance."

"Yes, certainly it is he," said another; "he is now showing his
skill."