The chief seizing the girl in his arms bore her
lightly as if she were an infant to his own sled, and placed her upon
it, holding her there with one arm, while with the other he held the
reins; then giving the word to his followers, the band was speedily
flying over the frosty road towards their lair. When they reached the
edge of the swamp, the dawn was breaking in chilly, silver streaks,
and the robbers dismounted.
'Why am I torn away from my home?' the girl asked as soon as the
bandage was removed from her mouth. 'Where are you taking me?'
'To my home, to be my bride,' the robber replied, bending suddenly
down to kiss her. But she evaded his polluting lips, and stood
looking from one to the other of the rest for help. The Lifter turned
away his head; for he was sick and sore at heart.
'Now, my dear girl,' the Chief said, 'we have to get to my home
immediately. It lies in yonder bush. Will you walk, or shall we be
obliged to carry you. I do not care to take my horses to the wood.'
'God have mercy upon me! God have mercy upon me!' was all that the
unfortunate girl could say.
'Do not lament so.
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