They talked awhile and went away. Suddenly he heard something rustle above him. He looked up; Dina was squatting down, and her knees towered above her head; she leaned over, and her necklace hung down and dangled over the ditch. Her little eyes glistened like stars. She took two cheese-cakes out of her sleeve and threw them down to him. Zhilín said to her:
"Why have you not been here for so long? I have made you some toys. Here they are!"
He began to throw one after the other to her, but she shook her head, and did not look at them.
"I do not want them," she said. She sat awhile in silence, and said; "Iván, they want to kill you!" She pointed with her hand to her neck.
"Who wants to kill me?"
"My father,—the old men tell him to. I am sorry for you."
So Zhilín said:
"If you pity me, bring me a long stick!"
She shook her head, to say that she could not. He folded his hands, and began to beg her:
"Dina, if you please! Dear Dina, bring it to me!"