"Wilhelm!" cried Otto, with an affecting sigh, and in a moment swam
forth with quick strokes.

"There he shoots away," said one of the party. "How he cuts the
waves! He is a splendid swimmer!"

Smiling they gazed over the expanse; Otto swam even farther out.

"But where will he swim to?" exclaimed, somewhat gravely, one of
the spectators. "He will certainly lose his strength before he
returns the same distance."

They unmoored the boat. Otto swam far out at sea; with quick
strokes of the oars they rowed after him.

"Where is he now?" cried Wilhelm shortly afterwards; "I see him no
longer."

"Yes, there he comes up again," said another; "but his strength is
leaving him."

"On! on!" cried Wilhelm; "he will be drowned if we do not come to
his help. Only see--he sinks!"

Otto had lost all power; his head disappeared beneath the water.
The friends had nearly reached him; Wilhelm and several of the best
swimmers flung from themselves boots and coats, sprang into the
sea, and dived under the water. A short and noiseless moment
passed. One of the swimmers appeared above water. "He is dead!"
were the first words heard. Wilhelm and the three others now