21. The Read Handkerchief

The Tartar horseman had crossed the bridge. He wishes to be sure that his shot has taken effect; without dismounting he looks, he sees the graceful body lying there. It is only a child! But what is this red handkerchief which she has on her head? A rag, his ball has pierced it. It is not worthwhile for him to take it.

The Tartar gave his horse the spur, went on his way, and disappeared like a man deceived in his expectation. Maroussia to him was only a shadow, imperfectly seen on his route. .

Everything became quiet again. It was so quickly done. It seemed as if nothing had happened at the end of the bridge.

Nevertheless, a peasant, carrying a heavy fagot of wood on his shoulder, comes with slow steps from the little grove which Maroussia was to find at the left of the bridge. Then, he passes by the mill, to which the pale light of the moon has given a silver color. He isn’t hurried, he looks neither to the right nor to the left. He does not suspect that, just now, the road which he is taking was not very safe.

He enters the bridge. He sees the two wreaths; he takes them and hangs them on his fagot. Doubtless he has little daughters, he will take the wreaths to them. He crosses the bridge. His load tires him, he puts it down an instant, and, to rest himself, leans with his elbows on the .trunk of the tree which serves for a parapet. From there he looks carelessly around. What is it that he sees among the reeds? It looks like a bouquet of flowers. He must see it nearer. It is a child! One of her feet is in the water. He is on his knees. He lifts the inanimate body and places it a little further up the bank.

The full moon is shining. He looks with pity on the beautiful face, white in death, places his hand on the brave little heart which beats no more, makes the sign of the cross, and speaks these words, “May God help you,” to which the little girl cannot reply, “God has helped me”; he arises, and, forgetting his load, keeping only his wreaths, he runs quickly away. He recrosses the bridge, where is he going so fast? Beyond the mill to the little grove. How he hastens to get there! What does he press on his breast? What does he hide under his shirt? It is the pretty red handkerchief, which ornamented the golden head of the little girl who loved her country so much. He carries it away with him. The red handkerchief and the wreaths reached their destination. Maroussia has fulfilled her mission. The others, the last faithful ones and her good friend are saved.