78 SLAV TALES

he was suspicious, and distrusted both servant and horses; so
he hastened back to the palace.

When there he said to George, “Give me some wine, but
mind you only pour out enough to fill the glass, for if you put
in one drop too much, so that it overflows, I shall certainly
order my executioner to cut off your head.”

While he was speaking two birds flew near the window, one
chasing the other, who carried three golden hairs in his beak.

“Give them me,” said one, “you know they are mine.”

“ Not at all, I picked them up myself.”

‘“No matter, I saw them fall while the Maid with Locks of
Gold was combing out her hair. At least, give me two, then
you can keep the third for yourself.”

“No, not a single one.”

Thereupon one of the birds succeeded in seizing the hairs
from the other bird’s beak, but in the struggle he let one fall,
and it made a sound as if a piece of metal had struck the
ground. As for George, he was completely taken off his guard,
and the wine overflowed the glass.

The king was furious, and feeling convinced that his
servant had disobeyed him and had learnt the language of
animals, he said, ““You scoundrel, you deserve death for
having failed to do my bidding, nevertheless, I will show
you mercy upon one condition, that you bring me the Maid
with the Golden Locks, for I intend to marry her.”

Alas, what was to be done? Poor fellow, he was willing
to do anything to save his life, even run the risk of losing it
on a long journey. He therefore promised to search for
the Maid with the Golden Locks: but he knew not where or
how to find her.