64 SLAV TALES

Next morning she told the nobleman all that had
happened, but without mentioning the painful impression her
answers had made upon the stranger. The three hundred
golden crowns were paid, and the father was thankful to have
at last heard something that might possibly lead to the dis-
covery of his son.

On the following day the second daughter, having been
told by her sister what to do and how to answer the stranger,
went to the castle to offer her services. The nobleman will-
ingly agreed, and orders were given that she should be
provided with everything she might want. Without loss of
time she entered the room, lit the fire, put on the saucepans,
spread a white cloth upon the table, made the bed, and
awaited the hour of midnight. When the young stranger
appeared and asked, “For whom is this food prepared?
for whom is the table laid? for whom is the bed made?”
she answered as her sister had bidden her, “For me, for
myself only.”

As on the night before, he burst into tears, waved his
arms, and suddenly disappeared.

Next morning she told the nobleman all that had happened
except the sad impression her answers had made upon the
stranger. The three hundred gold pieces were given her, and
she went home.

On the third day the youngest daughter wanted to try her
fortune.

“Sisters,” said she, “‘as you have succeeded in earning
three hundred gold crowns each, and so helping our dear
mother, I too should like to do my part and remain a night
in the haunted room.”