The marsh could be recognized by the mist which rose from it, thicker in one place and thinner in another, so that the reeds and willow bushes swayed like islands in this mist.

At the edge of the marsh and the road, peasant boys and men, who had been herding for the night, were lying, and in the dawn all were asleep under their coats.

Not far from them were three hobbled horses.

One of them clanked a chain.

Laska walked beside her master, pressing a little forward and looking round.