But when the time came near for their
marrying, Tamlane disappeared, and none knew what had become of him.
Many, many days after he had disappeared, Burd Janet was wandering in
Carterhaugh Wood, though she had been warned not to go there. And as she
wandered she plucked the flowers from the bushes. She came at last to a
bush of broom and began plucking it. She had not taken more than three
flowerets when by her side up started young Tamlane.
"Where come ye from, Tamlane, Tamlane?" Burd Janet said; "and why have
you been away so long?"
"From Elfland I come," said young Tamlane. "The Queen of Elfland has
made me her knight."
"But how did you get there, Tamlane?" said Burd Janet.
"I was hunting one day, and as I rode widershins round yon hill, a deep
drowsiness fell upon me, and when I awoke, behold! I was in Elfland.
Fair is that land and gay, and fain would I stop but for thee and one
other thing. Every seven years the Elves pay their tithe to the Nether
world, and for all the Queen makes much of me, I fear it is myself that
will be the tithe.
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