112 COSSACK FAIRY TALES,

He went on and on for a whole day, he went on
and on for a second day, and there was nothing to
eat, either for his horse or himself. He went for a
third day, and in the distance he saw a hay-cock.
“That will do for my horse, at any rate,” thought he,
“even if it is of no good to me.” So he went up
to it, and immediately it burst into flames. Daniel
began to weep, when he heard a_ voice crying
piteously: “Save me, save me! I am burning !”—
‘““How can I save thee,” he cried, “when I myself
cannot draw near ?”—‘ Oh! give me thy weapon!”
cried the voice, “and Tl seize hold of it, and then
thou canst pull me out.” So he stretched forth his
weapon, and drew forth a goodly serpent, such as is
only known of in old folk songs. And she said to
him: ‘Since thou hast drawn me out, thou must also
take me home.’”—“ How shall I carry thee?” asked
he.—* Carry me on thy horse, and in whatsoever
direction I turn my head and his, thither go.” —So
he took her upon his horse, and they went on and on
till they came to a court so splendid that it was a
delight to look at it. Then she glided down from his
charger and said: “ Wait here, and V’ll soon be with
thee again,” and with that she wriggled under the
gate. He stood there and stood and waited and
waited till he wept from’ sheer weariness; but, at
last, she came out again in the shape of a lovely