The sad little procession had passed some hours in this manner , when , near the gate of a monastery , an old woman appeared round a corner , and suddenly stood before the young man . She was bent almost double , and was so wizened and wrinkled that she looked at least ninety ; only her eyes were bright and quick as those of a girl . ` Sir , ' she said , ' I know all that has happened to you , and how you are seeking if in any wise you can save your life . But there is none that can answer that question save only I myself , if you will promise to do all I ask . ' At her words the prisoner felt as if a load had all at once been rolled off him . ` Oh , save me , and I will do anything ! ' he cried . ` It is so hard to leave the world and go out into the darkness . ' ` You will not need to do that , ' answered the old woman , ` you have only got to marry me , and you will soon be free . ' ` Marry you ? ' exclaimed he , ` but -- but -- I am not yet twenty , and you -- why , you must be a hundred at least ! Oh , no , it is quite impossible . ' He spoke without thinking , but the flash of anger which darted from her eyes made him feel uncomfortable . However , all she said was : ` As you like ; since you reject me , let the crows have you , ' and hurried away down the street . Left to himself , the full horror of his coming death rushed upon the young man , and he understood that he had thrown away his sole chance of life . Well , if he must , he must , he said to himself , and began to run as fast as he could after the old crone , who by this time could scarcely be seen , even in the moonlight . Who would have believed a woman past ninety could walk with such speed ? It seemed more like flying ! But at length , breathless and exhausted , he reached her side , and gasped out : ` Madam , pardon me for my hasty words just now ; I was wrong , and will thankfully accept the offer you made me . ' ` Ah , I thought you would come to your senses , ' answered she , in rather an odd voice .
` We have no time to lose -- follow me at once , ' and they went on silently and swiftly till they stopped at the door XXXXX a small house in which the priest lived .
As after before from if like of past since upon