Will you keep the dagger in your hand whilst you sleep ? asked Gerda, looking timidly at the dangerous plaything. I always sleep with my dagger by my side, replied the little Robber-maiden. One never knows what may happen. But now tell me all over again what you told me before about Kay, and the reason of your coming into the wide world all by yourself. And Gerda again related her history, and the wood pigeons imprisoned above listened, but the others were fast asleep. The little Robber-maiden threw one arm round Gerda’s neck; and holding the dagger with the other, was also soon asleep; one could hear her heavy breathing, but Gerda could not close her eyes throughout the night. She knew not what would become of her, whether she would even be suffered to live. The robber sat round the fire drinking and singing. Oh, it was a dreadful night for the poor little girl!

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21052, 2 March 1940, Page 14 (Supplement)

Will you keep the dagger in your hand whilst you sleep ? asked Gerda, looking timidly at the dangerous plaything. I always sleep with my dagger by my side, replied the little Robber-maiden. One never knows what may happen. But now tell me all over again what you told me before about Kay, and the reason of your coming into the wide world all by yourself. And Gerda again related her history, and the wood pigeons imprisoned above listened, but the others were fast asleep.

The little Robber-maiden threw one arm round Gerda’s neck; and holding the dagger with the other, was also soon asleep; one could hear her heavy breathing, but Gerda could not close her eyes throughout the night. She knew not what would become of her, whether she would even be suffered to live. The robber sat round the fire drinking and singing. Oh, it was a dreadful night for the poor little girl!