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 workers, for who knows to what well you may yourself yet come to drink?”

“You boorish lout, how dare you have the temerity to lecture me!” stormed Tuhar, his eyes flashing angrily. “Get out of my sight at once, or I swear to God I won’t be held responsible for plunging this stiletto into your chest just as I did to the bear this morning, regardless of the debt I owe you.”

“Do not take offence, Boyarin, at the words of an ignorant youth,” answered Maxim quietly. “Farewell!”

“And farewell to you, my star, who shone so wondrously for me for a day and now must be lost to me forever! Farewell, and may fortune smile sweetly upon you!”

“Wait! I have something to say about this, too!” cried Peace-Renown, turning towards them resolutely. “Fear not, dear youth, I shall not be lost to you, but will be yours!”

Tuhar Wolf, astounded by these words, stared at his daughter not knowing what to do.

“My child, what are you saying!” he interjected.

“Exactly what you hear, father dear. I’m willing to be his. I love Maxim. Father, let me become his wife!”

“You foolish girl, that’s impossible!”

“Just try and you’ll see that it is possible!”

“You’re delirious, child, emotionally upset from being frightened this morning by the ferocious beast!”

“No, father, I’m perfectly well and in my right mind. I repeat, and swear by the rays of the setting sun that this youth must be and shall be mine! Oh sun, be my witness!”

And slipping her firm hand into Maxim’s she reached up on tip-toe and pressed her warm, sweet lips to his.

Tuhar Wolf was dumbfounded. He could not move or utter a single word.

“Now, Maxim, you can go home and don’t let anyone or anything discourage you. Peace-Renown has vowed that she will be yours and Peace-Renown knows how to keep a promise!”