Thalatta! Thalatta!
When I came to myself, I was stretched in half darkness, covered with thick coats and blankets. My uncle was watching over me, to discover the least sign of life. At my first sigh he took my hand; when I opened my eyes he uttered a cry of joy.
“He lives! he lives!” he cried.
“Yes, I am still alive,” I answered feebly.
“My dear nephew,” said my uncle, pressing me to his breast, “you are saved.”
I was deeply touched with the tenderness of his manner as he uttered these words, and still more with the care with which he watched over me. But such trials were wanted to bring out the Professor’s tenderer qualities.
At this moment Hans came, he saw my hand in my uncle’s, and I may safely say that there was joy in his countenance.
“ God dag ,” said he.
“How do you do, Hans? How are you? And now, uncle, tell me where we are at the present moment?”
“Tomorrow, Axel, tomorrow. Now you are too faint and weak. I have bandaged your head with compresses which must not be disturbed. Sleep now, and tomorrow I will tell you all.”
“But do tell me what time it is, and what day.”