Marushka dried her tears and followed Banda Bela. In silence the two children ate the bread and milk the shepherd's wife prepared for them. Then Banda Bela said:
"Stay here, Marushka. I am going to the cross-roads to see if they have left a sign for us, but I do not think it at all likely."
"What sign would they leave?" asked the shepherd.
"When they go and wish their friends to follow they leave at each cross-road a twig pointing in the direction they have gone. For fear one would think it but a stray twig they cross it with another, and the Gypsy always watches for the crossed branches when following a trail."
"You may look, but you will find no crossed branches at the cross-roads," said the peasant, as Banda Bela ran off. The peasant and his wife talked together in low tones. Soon the boy came back and shook his head mournfully.
"They have left no trail," he said. "They left us behind on purpose."
"The draught they gave you was drugged," said the shepherd. "Tell me, Banda Bela, what will you do?"
"I must take Marushka and go to the city," said the boy. "By walking slowly and often carrying her we can do it. In the city I can play in the streets and earn bread for both."