CHAPTER XV.
BALYIKA CAVE.
The sun rises late in November.

When Blanka awoke, every one else in the house was already up.

Manasseh met her with the announcement that their journey was thenceforth to be on horseback, at which she was as pleased as a child.

So that explained why their carriage-horses had been saddled.
In the kitchen a plentiful breakfast stood ready,--hot milk, bacon spiced with paprika, snow-white mountain honey, long-necked bottles of spirits distilled from various fruits, cheeses rolled up in the fragrant bark of the fir-tree,--all of which was new to Blanka and partaken of by her with the keenest relish, to the great satisfaction of her host.

What was left on the table by his guests he packed up and made them carry away with them, assuring them it would not come amiss.
Zenobia was to guide the travellers on their way.