Tchelkache was more triumphant than ever: his success was complete!
His nerves, accustomed to shocks, were already calmed. His lips
trembled and his eyes shone with an eager light. He felt strong and
well, whistled softly, inhaled long breaths of the salt sea air,
glanced about from right to left and smiled good-naturedly when his
eyes fell upon Gavrilo.

A light breeze set a thousand little waves to dancing. The clouds
became thinner and more transparent although still covering the sky.
The wind swept lightly and freely over the entire surface of the sea,
but the clouds remained motionless, and seemed to be plunged in a dull,
gray reverie.

"Come, brother, wake up, it's time! Your soul seems to have been
shaken out of your skin; there's nothing left but a bag of bones. My
dear fellow! We have hold of the good end, eh?"

Gavrilo was glad to hear a human voice, even though it was that of
Tchelkache.

"I know it," said he, very low.

"That's right, little man! Take the tiller, I'll row; You're tired,
aren't you?"

Gavrilo mechanically changed places, and when Tchelkache saw that he
staggered, he pitied him more still and patted him on the shoulder,

"Don't be afraid! You've made a good thing out of it. I'll pay you