THE MAID wiTH HAIR OF GOLD 87

“Here are my daughters,” said the king, ‘‘but only one
among them has golden hair. If you find her you may take
her with you; but if you make a mistake she will remain with
us, and you will have to return empty-handed.”

George felt much embarrassed, not knowing what course
to take.

‘Buzz, Buzz, come walk round these young girls, and I
will tell you which is yours.”

Thus spoke the fly whose life George had saved.

Thus reassured he walked boldly round, pointing at them
one after the other and saying, “This one has not the golden
hair, nor this one either, nor this. . . .”

Suddenly, having been told by the fly, he cried, “‘ Here we
are: this is Zlato Vlaska, even she herself. I take her for my
own, she whom I have won, and for whom I have paid the
price with many cares. You will not refuse her me this time.”

“Indeed, you have guessed aright,” replied the king.

The princess rose from her seat, and letting fall her head-
dress, exposed to full view all the splendour of her wonderful
hair, which seemed like a waterfall of golden rays, and covered
her from head to foot. The glorious light that shone from it
dazzled the young man’s eyes, and he immediately fell in love
with her.

The king provided his daughter with gifts worthy of a
queen, and she left her father’s palace in a manner befitting a
royal bride. The journey back was accomplished without any
mishaps.

On their arrival the old king was delighted at the sight of
Zlato Vlaska, and danced with joy. Splendid and costly pre-
parations were made for the wedding. His majesty then said