human
Hermit, he said to Raduz,
gpt
As long as I've been preaching here, Raduz said,
human
I've had only flies for a congregation. But I do remember that while the chapel was building two such people did go by. But now I must beg you, good sir, to go out, for you are letting in so much cold that my congregation is freezing.
gpt
Again you bring no one, you good-for-nothing! Where did you leave them this time?
human
Where did I leave them? the old man said.
gpt
How could I leave them when I didn't even see them? All I saw was a little chapel and a hermit preaching to a congregation of flies. I almost froze the congregation to death!
human
Oh, what a booby you are! Yezibaba cried.
gpt
Raduz was the hermit and Ludmila one of the flies! Why didn't you bring me just one shingle from the roof of the chapel? I see I'll have to go after them myself!
human
I wonder why my left cheek burns? Look back, dear Raduz, again, and see if there is any one following us.
gpt
There's nothing following us but a red cloud in the sky.
human
A red cloud? That must be Yezibaba herself on the steed of fire. Now indeed we must be careful. Up to this it has been easy enough but it won't be easy to deceive her. Here we are beside a lake. I will change myself into a golden duck and float on the water. Do you dive into the water so that she can't burn you. When she alights and tries to catch me, do you jump up and get the horse by the bridle. Don't be afraid at what will happen.