When they arrived high up, they were astonished to see a strange colour at the bottom of the valley.
“What's that down there?” called the children, “Is it water?”
—Water, replied the mule-driver.
—But it's not moving, said Costakis.
—Water, on a slope, and not moving, how is it possible?
—It seems to be still, a child then said.
—Of course, because we're seeing it from above. Later on, when we go down you'll see how it flows.
—What's this river called?
—Roumelle. But here it's a stream, not yet a river. It's still got a long way to go before it becomes the river Roumelle. It must collect a lot of water, smooth many stones and keep turning the mills' waterwheels as well.
—It's turquoise, said Phanis, what a beautiful colour!
—This colour is due to the force of the water, said Mr Stephan. Here high up the Roumelle is troubled. The waters spring up like furious children; it's only on the plain that it calms down. And while progressing towards the sea, it becomes tranquil and reflective.
When they were higher up, they no longer saw the Roumelle. It was hidden from them by a curve.
Costakis was saddened by this, as if a friend had left them.
—Don't worry Costakis, said the mule-driver, it comes up again several times ahead. The Roumelle diverts here. It has to water many plane trees and cross many valleys!
Further along as they were going down, they heard the noise of water and they felt that the Roumelle was still very near.