THE SUN 390

“To Déde-Vsévéde’s castle for three of his golden
hairs.”

“Ah, then you are very welcome. For a long weary while
I have been waiting for such a messenger as you. I have
been ferrying passengers across for these twenty years, and
not one of them has done anything to help me. If you will
promise to ask Dede-Vsévéde when I shall be released from
my toil I will row you across.”

Plavacek promised, and was rowed to the opposite bank.
He continued his journey on foot until he came in sight of
a large town half in ruins, near which was passing a funeral
procession. The king of that country was following his father’s
coffin, and with the tears running down his cheeks.

“May God comfort you in your distress,” said Plavacek.

“Thank you, good traveller. Where are you going?”

“To the house of Déde-Vsévéde in quest of three of his
golden hairs.”

“To the house of Déde-Vsévéde? indeed! What a pity
you did not come sooner, we have long been expecting such
a messenger as you. Come and see me by and bye.”

When Plavacek presented himself at court the king said
to him:

“We understand you are on your way to the house of
Déde-Vsévede? Now we have an apple-tree here that bears
the fruit of everlasting youth. One of these apples eaten by
a man, even though he be dying, will cure him and make
him young again. For the last twenty years neither fruit
nor flower has been found on this tree. Will you ask Déde-
Vsévéde the cause of it?”

“That I will, with pleasure.”