CHAPTER XII
"Who is in the sleigh, Kaya, can you see? Keep low in the shadow and don't move your head."
"The Countess, Velasco, and Petrokoff and two other men."
"Gendarmes?"
"I think they are gendarmes, Velasco. They look from side to side of the road as they pass and urge the driver forward."
"Bózhe moi, little one! Keep close to me and hold your breath; in another moment they will be past."
"Now—Velasco! Now they are out of sight; the last tinkle of the bells sounds in the distance. Shall we lie here, or follow?"
The gypsey took a long breath and rose to his feet, brushing the snow from his trousers and coat. The girl still sat crouching behind the drift, peering ahead into the dark windings of the road and listening.
"Come, little one!" said Velasco, "The fields are covered deep with the snow; there are no paths and we cannot go back. Give me your hand. You will freeze if you linger."