Gerda set off through the forest. But soon she was lost. Just then a large - black bird came down beside her.

     'You're lost, little girl,' said the bird.' I can see that. Here, get on my back and I'll take you.'

     'Oh, thank you,' Gerda said. 'I'm looking for my brother.' And she told the bird about her brother.

     'I saw a young man like that,' the bird said. 'He's just married the princess at the royal palace.

     'Oh, please take me there!' Gerda said excitedly. But when they got to the palace, the young man wasn’t Kay. Gerda became so sad. She burst into tears.

     The princess was kind. She wanted to help Gerda.

     'You must go to see my uncle,' she said to Gerda.

     'He's the king of Sweden. He can help you.'

     The princess gave Gerda some money, a coach and two drivers to take her to Sweden.

     They set off, but that night robbers attacked the coach. The robbers took Gerda to their secret cave in the mountains.

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