"Then he must have been all night in the wood," exclaimed Wilhelm.
"Yes, indeed, he's a fine bird. Does he fly us? He shall pay for
this. Good morning, Otto Thostrup," criedhe; "have you lain all
night in the water, or in any other improper place? To quit friends
without saying a word does not appertain to the customs of
civilized people. Since you, therefore, show yourself such a man of
nature, we will carry away your garments; it cannot annoy you in
puris naturalibus to seek us out in the wood."

Otto raised his head, but was silent.

"Now, will you not come forth?" cried Wilhelm. "Only kneeling
before each of us can you receive the separate articles of your
dress, so that you may again appear as a civilized European." And
saying this he divided the clothes among the others; each one held
an article in his hand.

"Leave such jokes!" cried Otto with singular earnestness. "Lay down
the clothes, and retire!"

"Aye, that we will, presently," returned Wilhelm. "You are a fine
fellow! You cannot swim, you say. Now, if you should not kneel"--

"Retire!" cried Otto, "or I will swim out into the stream, and not
return again!"

"That might be original enough," answered Wilhelm. "Swim forth, or
come and kneel here!"