Oddo had found occasionally the truth of a common proverb--he had easily brought his master's horses to the water, but could not make them drink. He now found that he had easily got rowers into the boat, but that it was impossible to make them row beyond a certain point. He had used as much discretion as Peder himself about not revealing the precise place of their destination; and when Vogel islet came in sight, the two helpers at once gave him hints to steer so as to keep as near the shore and as far from the island as possible. Oddo gravely steered for the island notwithstanding. When the men saw that this was his resolution they shipped their oars, and refused to strike another stroke, unless one of them might steer. That island had a bad reputation, it was betwitched or haunted; and in that direction the men would not go. They were willing to do all they could to oblige; they would row twenty miles without resting with pleasure; but they would not brave Nipen, nor any other demon, for any consideration.
"Two miles, grandfather. Can you and I manage it by ourselves, think you?"
"Ay, surely; if we can land these friends of ours. They will wait ashore till we call for them again."
"I will leave you my supper, if you will wait for us here, on this headland," said Oddo to the man.
The men could make no other objection than that they were certain the boat would never return. They were very civil--would not accept Oddo's supper on any account--would remain on the watch--wished their friends would be persuaded; and, when they found all persuasion in vain, declared they would bear testimony to Erica, and as long as they should live, to the bravery of the old man and boy who thus threw away their lives in search of a comrade who had fallen a victim to Nipen.
Amidst these friendly words, the old man and his grandson put off once more alone, making straight for the islet. Of the two Peder was the greater hero, for he saw the most ground for fear.
"Promise me, Oddo," said he, "not to take advantage of my not seeing. As sure as you observe anything strange, tell me exactly what you see."
"I will, grandfather. There is nothing yet but what is so beautiful that I could not for the life of me find out anything to be afraid of."