"No," returned Hund firmly. From his manner everybody believed this much.
"Do you know that anybody else has killed him?"
"Do you know whether he is alive or dead?"
To this Hund could, in the confusion of his ideas about Rolf's fate and condition, fairly say "No;" as also to the question, "Do you know where he is?"
"Ay, there you come," said Hund, resuming some courage, and putting on the appearance of more than he had. "You load me with foul accusations, and when you find yourselves all in the wrong, you alter your tone, and put yourselves under obligation to me for what I will tell. I will treat you better than you treat me, and I will tell you plainly why. I repent of my feelings towards my fellow-servant, now that evil has befallen him----"
"He was seen fishing on the fiord in that poor little worn-out skiff. I myself saw him. And when I looked next for the skiff, it was gone."
"Never mind where I was. I was about my own business. And I tell you, I no more laid a finger on him than any one of you."
Erica started, and in one moment's flush of hope told that Rolf had said he should be safe at any time near Vogel islet. Hund caught at her words so eagerly as to make a favourable impression on all, who saw, what was indeed the truth, that he would have been glad to know that Rolf was alive.
"I believe some of the things you have told. I believe that you did not lay hands on Rolf."
"Bless you! Bless you for that!" interrupted Hund, almost forgetting how far he really was guilty.
"Tell me then," proceeded Erica, "how you believe he really perished."
"I believe," whispered Hund, "that the strong hand pulled him down--down to the bottom."
"Erica--one word," exclaimed Hund. "I must stay here--I am very miserable, and I must stay here and work, and work till I get some comfort. But you must tell me how you think of me--you must say that you do not hate me----"
"I do hate you," said Erica with disgust, as her suspicions of his wanting to fill Rolf's place were renewed, "I mistrust you, Hund, more deeply than I can tell."
"Will no penitence change your feelings, Erica? I tell you I am as miserable as you."
"That is false, like everything else that you say," cried Erica. "I wish you would go--go and seek Rolf under the waters."