"Well, thou staid and sorry soldier, what would'st have of me?" she
questioned.
"Verily," he muttered, "I would have of thee yon trinket from thy bosom."
Now at his words she started, caught her breath and stared at him
wide-eyed; but, seeing his abashment, laughed and loosed off the jewel with
quick, small fingers.
"Be it so!" said she. But hereupon the old woman reached out sudden hand.
"Child!" she croaked, "Art mad? Mind ye not the prophecy? Beware the
prophecy--beware!
'He that taketh Crystal Heart,
Taketh all and every part!'
Beware, I say, Oh, beware!"
"Nay, good mother, have I not promised? And for this crystal it hath
brought me nought but unease hitherto. Take it, soldier, and for the sake
of this poor maid that giveth, break it not, dishonour it not, and give it
to none but can define for thee the secret thereof--and so, poor, brave,
fearful soldier--fare thee well!"
Saying which this fair maiden turned, and clasping the Witch's bony arm
about her slender loveliness, passed away into the denser wood with Lobkyn
Lollo marching grimly behind, his mighty club across his shoulder.
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