I see now, said Good, and I suppose they wound the
thing up with awindlass. Now, my friends, as you may guess, this was a blow
indeed.
Fromthat moment I became as ruthless as Hans
himself. Yes, Lord, she answered, since if it broke all this side of theisland would
be flooded. The lake might come over the crest of the wall, I suggested. Meanwhile,
she went on, for the present you are safe. Hans, you are a fool as well as a brute,
for, silly as you may be,how could I get on without you?
The priests go also and leave the
bridealone.
I ate as much as I was able, because food gives
strength, and Hans didthe same. I think there will be a flood after this, Baas,
remarked Hans. That is quite a good plan, especially as itwill save us trouble with
her afterwards.
Had it not beenfor that gift I should have been
dead long ago. As it happened there was a good deal to examine.
So we went away, but I, lingering behind, examined
the hole and thepin very carefully. Then I asked her to tell me exactly what was
going tohappen as to the delivery of the Holy Bride.
My father, I presume, Hans, I replied
airily.
Now I sat still, not knowing what to say, for I had
overlooked thismatter of the key.
Yes, Lord, she answered, since if it broke all this
side of theisland would be flooded.
What are you laughing at, you little
donkey?
As it happened there was a good deal to examine.
Only how are we to make these slow matches?
Fromthat moment I became as ruthless as Hans
himself.
Fromthat moment I became as ruthless as Hans
himself.
I think alsothat I am to be sacrificed with you.
This I did for her own sake, a factthat I did not explain. Outwardlyshe showed no
signs of injury, for her long white robe was unstained. When we had finished our
food we packed up our small belongings in themost convenient way we could. A little
later food was brought to us by one of the serving priests.
Is it a timeto laugh when all our plans have come
to nothing? Thats what he said, but the fact was that he had been fast
asleephimself.
While I did so I heard Hans chuckling idiotically.