Jacob and the Raven 31

sorrowfully. “She starves and beats me
until I am black and blue. What shall I
do? Come a little nearer that we may
whisper.”

“T dare not. She has power where thou
art standing. Dost see the circle drawn?
If I came down, I should be her slave as
well, and forced to do her evil will.”

“No one can force me to do what I
will not,” said Jacob, clenching his small
hands, and the raven was silent, for he
knew that men might say things like that,
and keep to it. The boy went on hurriedly
—‘Tf I had a knife I could cut this rope.”

“No man’s knife can cut it. Dost sup-
pose I have not thought of it? There is
one who might lend me his, but it is a
long flight, and if I leave thee Bei

“Oh, that is nothing,” cried the boy
breathlessly. ‘Good Krawk, go, go!”

He got no answer, for the old raven
was cocking his head, and looking over

 

his shoulder, and, the next moment, was
circling high in the air, while Jacob was