she had been so imprudent as to undertake the journey, after all! He hurried down to the sea, and called to the occupant of the boat:—
"Frida! Frida!"
"Robert Robert!"
Merciful Heavens! It was Frida!
But there was no time for sentiment; never had Robert felt braver or stronger than at that moment.
"Throw me the rope! " he cried.
With all her strength Frida threw a rope, which whistled past Robert; he seized it, drew in the boat, and took Frida, who was now quite exhausted, in his arms.
"Saved! We are saved!" he exclaimed, thankfully.
He did not think of reproaching her for her rashness in undertaking the journey; he was too happy at finding himself by the side of the woman he loved. Both felt that Axel would not die; that the Virgin would be touched by their courage.
"How did you come?" asked Robert. "That is Christian's boat, is it not? Then Christian allowed you to come? What a terrible night! Frida, my love, my love!"
The next morning, as soon as the pale December sun appeared on the horizon, they set off on the return journey, but before they had gone far their boat was crushed between two great blocks of ice. Some fishermen, who were anxiously watching, saw the wreck floating about among the icebergs for some time; then it slowly disappeared towards the north. No trace could be seen of Robert and Frida.
As to the Black Virgin, she granted their prayer. Axel got well, and from that day the evil destiny of Liedsmarken was conjured; for the Virgin of the rock never afterwards demanded an annual victim, and now we have nothing to fear.
