In the market-place the boldest boys used often to fasten their
sledges to the carts of the farmers, and then they got a good
ride.

When they were in the middle of their games there drove into the
square a large sledge, all white, and in it sat a figure dressed
in a rough white fur pelisse with a white fur cap on.

The sledge drove twice round the square, and Kay fastened his
little sledge behind it and drove off. It went quicker and
quicker into the next street. The driver turned round, and
nodded to Kay ina friendly way as if they had known each other
before. Every time that Kay tried to unfasten his sledge the
driver nodded again, and Kay sat still once more. Then they
drove out of the town, and the snow began to fall so thickly that
the little boy could not see his hand before him, and on and on
they went. He quickly unfastened the cord to get loose from the
big sledge, but it was of no use; his little sledge hung on fast,
and it went on like the wind.

Then he cried out, but nobody heard him. He was dreadfully
frightened.

The snowflakes grew larger and larger till they looked like great
white birds. All at once they flew aside, the large sledge stood
still, and the figure who was driving stood up. The fur cloak
and cap were all of snow. It was a lady, tall and slim, and
glittering. It was the Snow-queen.