"Banda Bela!" called a faint voice behind him, and he turned quickly to see the little girl sitting under a great poplar tree, rubbing her eyes stupidly. He ran to her and the shepherd caught her in his arms. "What happened in the tent last night?" asked Banda Bela. "Rosa took me on her lap and cried," said Marushka, "then I went to sleep; but why am I here and where is Rosa?" "During the night my wife awoke and heard faint sounds of stirring about outside the tent and muffled horses' hoofs. One of the horse herd is missing, many things are taken from the cook hut, and the Gypsies are gone. I do not know why we did not hear them more plainly when they passed," said the shepherd. "They always tie up their horses' feet in rags when they travel at night," said Banda Bela. "Now they may be many miles from here. No one knows where, for they always cover their tracks. Don't cry, Marushka, I'll take care of you." "You are but a child yourself," said the shepherd. "Come to my hut and eat and then we shall see what is to be done." Marushka dried her tears and followed Banda Bela. In silence the two children ate the bread and milk the shepherd's wife prepared for them. Then Banda Bela said: "Stay here, Marushka. I am going to the cross-roads to see if they have left a sign for us, but I do not think it at all likely." "What sign would they leave?" asked the shepherd. "When they go and wish their friends to follow they leave at each cross-road a twig pointing in the direction they have gone. For fear one would think it but a stray twig they cross it with another, and the Gypsy always watches for the crossed branches when following a trail." "You may look, but you will find no crossed branches at the cross-roads," said the peasant, as Banda Bela ran off. The peasant and his wife talked together in low tones. Soon the boy came back and shook his head mournfully. "They have left no trail," he said. "They left us behind on purpose." "The draught they gave you was drugged," said the shepherd. "Tell me, Banda Bela, what will you do?" "I must take Marushka and go to the city," said the boy. "By walking slowly and often carrying her we can do it. In the city I can play in the streets and earn bread for both." "But do you like the city? It is noisy and dirty. You will not be free as on the wild," said the peasant's wife. "I shall like it not at all," said the boy. "But there is nothing else." "If Marushka will come and live with me I will care for her as my child," said the shepherd's wife. "She shall have clean clothes and plenty to eat and a garden with flowers. Will you come, little one?" Marushka looked up into the kind face and smiled. "I will come if Banda Bela may come also," she said. The shepherd laughed. "I told you, Irma, it was useless to take the one without the other. Take both. Banda Bela will serve you well, of that I am sure."