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3. The Adoption
The Master Woodsman suddenly rose, with knitted brows. "There is a strange
presence in the Forest," he declared. Then the Queen and her nymphs turned
and saw standing before them Necile, with the sleeping infant clasped tightly
in her arms and a defiant look in her deep blue eyes.
And thus for a moment they remained, the nymphs filled with surprise and
consternation, but the brow of the Master Woodsman gradually clearing as he
gazed intently upon the beautiful immortal who had wilfully broken the Law.
Then the great Ak, to the wonder of all, laid his hand softly on Necile's flowing
locks and kissed her on her fair forehead.
"
For the first time within my knowledge," said he, gently, "a nymph has defied
me and my laws; yet in my heart can I find no word of chiding. What is your
desire, Necile?"
"
Let me keep the child!" she answered, beginning to tremble and falling on her
knees in supplication.
"
Here, in the Forest of Burzee, where the human race has never yet
penetrated?" questioned Ak.
"
Here, in the Forest of Burzee," replied the nymph, boldly. "It is my home, and
I am weary for lack of occupation. Let me care for the babe! See how weak
and helpless it is. Surely it can not harm Burzee nor the Master Woodsman of
the World!"
"
"
But the Law, child, the Law!" cried Ak, sternly.
The Law is made by the Master Woodsman," returned Necile; "if he bids me
care for the babe he himself has saved from death, who in all the world dare
oppose me?" Queen Zurline, who had listened intently to this conversation,
clapped her pretty hands gleefully at the nymph's answer.
"
You are fairly trapped, O Ak!" she exclaimed, laughing. "Now, I pray you, give
heed to Necile's petition."
The Woodsman, as was his habit when in thought, stroked his grizzled beard
slowly. Then he said:
"
She shall keep the babe, and I will give it my protection. But I warn you all
that as this is the first time I have relaxed the Law, so shall it be the last time.
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