Page:Selected Czech tales - 1925.djvu/76

 frequently concealed them in his cottage, which was conveniently situated for their purposes, being at about half an hour’s distance from the village, and quite hidden by bushes. The place was called ‘the firs.’ No one could see who was passing in or out of it, unless he stood close to the fence.

When her husband died the smugglers had asked Martinka to join them, out of gratitude for his many services to them. They expected her to meet them regularly at night in some lonely spot in the forests which cover the frontiers of Saxony and our mountains. She then had to take over part of the contraband and carry it to the next place of appointment, whence it was taken by other trustworthy persons to its ultimate destination, which would sometimes be as far off as Prague. Martinka had gratefully accepted the offer. She had now distinguished herself by her skill for many years; had made a living for herself and her children, helped them to obtain good situations, and saved a nice little sum for herself. What other trade would have done as much for her? The ‘blackies’ employed several women carriers, but none of them worked to their satisfaction as Martinka did. Her ‘Capo,’ old Matouš, who