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'And one of the robbers saw that there was a gold ring still left

on her finger, and as it was difficult to draw off, he took a

hatchet and cut off her finger; but the finger sprang into the

air and fell behind the great cask into my lap. And here is the

finger with the ring.' And with these words the bride drew forth

the finger and shewed it to the assembled guests.

The bridegroom, who during this recital had grown deadly pale, up

and tried to escape, but the guests seized him and held him fast.

They delivered him up to justice, and he and all his murderous

band were condemned to death for their wicked deeds.

TOM THUMB