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.