“Stand still that I may get down.”
“Wo! Step gently here on to the step of the carriage. Ah, now I see for myself that you are sturdy; that’s how I like people to be, born not laid.”
While Malca gathered some balm to take to Itzic, old Nichifor stood still and tinkered a little at the carriage. Then he called quickly:
“Are you ready, young lady? Come, get in and let us get on with the help of God; from here on it is mostly down hill.”
After Malca has mounted she asked:
“Are we a little late, Mosh Nichifor?”
“If we meet with no obstacles I shall soon have you in Peatra.”
And he whipped up the mares, saying:
“White for the leader, white for the wheeler
The pole lies bare on the one side.