Before starting, however, another ceremony had to be performed. It was that of taking possession of the chest containing all the bride's worldly goods, and on which were displayed the beautiful presents the bride had received. Amongst these were, as usual, two distaffs and a spindle, for spinning had not yet entirely gone out of fashion. Still, these were only the signs of the bride's industry.
A little imp of a boy,
"Hardi comme un coq sur son propre fumier,"
was seated on the chest, and he kept a strict watch over it. He had been told to fight whosoever attempted to lay hands on it, and he, therefore, took his part seriously. He scratched, bit, kicked and pummelled all those who attempted to come near it. At last, having received some cakes and a piece of silver money, he was induced to give up the trunk to the svati, who carried it off.
The bride then left the house amongst the shouting and the firing of the multitude, and the whole train, walking two by two, proceeded to church.
Lilic and Zwillievic likewise joined the train, for now that the bird had flown away from the nest their task was over.
As they walked along together, the youth said to the old man:
"I am sorry for poor Milenko, after all."
"Why?" asked Zwillievic.
"Eh! because Ivanka 'll bury him."