Seized and sobered by them he kept on strolling along the streets, and searching for something strong and firm in himself.

But everything within him was confused; it merely oppressed his heart, without assuming any definite forms.

As in a painful dream he reached the river, seated himself on the beams by the shore, and began to look at the calm dark water, which was covered with tiny ripples.

Calmly and almost noiselessly flowed on the broad, mighty river, carrying enormous weights upon its bosom.

The river was all covered with black vessels, the signal lights and the stars were reflected in its water; the tiny ripples, murmuring softly, were gently breaking against the shore at the very feet of Foma.