26 UNDIXE.
aside from the footpath, leaving us, for the most part, only one direction open. When we advanced in this, it kept following close behind us, j^et did not occasion the smallest harm or inconvenience.
" When at times I looked about me at the form, I per- ceived that the white face, which had splashed upon us its shower of foam, avsis 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. W^e both of us, horse and rider, became weary, as we shaped our course accord- ing 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 dis- ajjpeared."
"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 liere ; 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 out with his boat far enough to help you."
Huldbrand rose, smiling, in order to look about and
