OCR Text |
Show -84- "Did you get enough to eat?" asked Svasar as she held the cup of soup to her. "Oh, yes," beamed Sandy. "I'm as full as I can be!" She meant it. When Svasar finished eating, they walked to the mines, where they saw the men digging the precious gems. There were many little shops edging the mines where the gems were cut, polished, and fashioned into jewelry. Though the men were weary, they broke into song as they worked. One of the men let Sandy try on a completed necklace, while several others stood and watched approvingly. "There aren't any women on the Inner Mountains who look prettier than you!" said one, and they all agreed. "You'll spoil the girl," laughed Svasar. "Come on, Sandy, we'd better go home, or all this nonesense will go to your head!" Sandy returned the necklace and waved goodbye to the men as they left the shop. "I love these people," she said ,to Svasar. "I'm glad, Sandy. They love you, too, I can tell." Upon arriving home, Svasar got the sack, twine and scissors. After a small dinner, Lamm and Sandy left for the landing platforms, It was just dusk when they arrived. "The last baskets will be going up in about ten minutes," Lamm whispered. They walked silently to a large platform where two baskets dangled from strong ropes. Lamm propelled Sandy under the platform and helped her into the musty sack. After he handed her the scissors, he tied the sack securely with the |