p so early?"

"Aren't you up early?"

"I am not an example for you. If you did all I do, you'd be in all
kinds of trouble."

"Why do you always wish to frighten me?" he asked.

"And you, why do you make eyes at me?"

Iakov had no recollection of having looked at her more than at the other
women on the fishing grounds, but now he said to her suddenly:

"Because you are so--appetizing."

"If your father heard you, he'd give you an appetite! No, my lad, don't
run after me, because I don't want to be between you and Vassili. You
understand?"

"What have I done?" asked Iakov. "I haven't touched you."

"You daren't touch me," retorted Malva.

There was such a contemptuous tone in her voice that he resented this.

"So I dare not?" he replied, climbing up on the boat and seating himself
at her side.

"No, you dare not."

"And if I touch you?"

"Try!"

"What would you do?"

"I'd give you such a box on the ear that you would fall into the water."

"Let's see you do it"

"Touch me if you dare!"

Throwing his arm around her waist, he pressed her to his breast.

"Here I am. Now box my ears."

"Let me be, Iakov," she said, quickly, trying to disengage herself from
his arms which trembled.

"Where is the punishment you promised me?"

"Let go or take care!"

"Oh, stop your threats--luscious strawberry that you are!"

He drew her to him and pressed his thick lips into her sunburnt cheek.

She gave a wild laugh of defiance, seized Iakov's arms and suddenly,
with a quick movement of her whole body threw herself forward. They
fell into the water enlaced, forming a single heavy mass, and
disappeared under the splashing foam. Then from beneath the agitated
water Iakov appeared, looking half drowned. Malva, at his side swimming
like a fish, eluded his grasp, and tried to prevent him regaining the
boat. Iakov struggled desperately, striking the water and roaring like
a walrus, while Malva, screaming with laughter, swam round and round
him, throwing the salt water in his face, and then diving to avoid his
vigorous blows.

At last he caught her and pulled her under the water, and the waves
passed over both their heads. Then they came to the surface again both
panting with the exertion. Thus they played like two big fish until,
finally, tired out and full of salt water, they climbed up the beach and
sat down in the sun to dry.

Malva laughed and twisted her hair to get the water out.

The day was