Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/21

Rh "I have all the light I want from my bosom-pin," said the one who was working on the lace; "I won't go."

"And I won't go," said the one who was knitting stockings; "I have enough light from my knitting needles."

"Vasilisa must go after the light," cried both of them. "Hurry to Baba Yaga the Witch and get it!"; And they drove her out of the room. Vasilisa went into her little room, set before her Doll the supper that she had saved for her, and said: "Now, Dollie, take your supper and listen to my tale of woe. They are sending me to the Baba Yaga after fire, and the Baba Yaga will eat me!"

The Doll ate the food and her eyes gleamed like two candles. "Do not be afraid, little Vasilisa," she said. "Go whither they send you; only keep me always with you. When you have me you have nothing to fear at the Witch's hut."

So Vasilisa made haste, hid the Doll in her pocket, and having crossed herself went into the dense forest. As she went along tremblingly a horseman suddenly galloped past her. He was white, his dress was white, the horse he rode was white, and the horse's trappings were white. Outdoors it began to grow light.