THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 115

forests. As for my head, it is full of a life and strength proof
against all dangers, and has remained here ever since to
frighten all who attempt to take away the sword. Now,
prince, I beg of you, use the sword to cut off the beard of my
wicked brother; kill him, and return here to put an end to
me: I shall die happy if I die avenged.”

“That you shall be, and very soon, I promise you,”
replied his listener.

The prince bade the Dappled Horse with Golden Mane
carry him to the kingdom of the Dwarf with the Long Beard.
They reached the garden gate at the very moment when the
dwarf had caught sight of Princess Pietnotka and was running
after her. The war-trumpet, challenging him to fight, had
obliged him to leave her, which he did, having first put on
her head the invisible cap.

While the prince was awaiting the answer to his challenge
he heard a great noise in the clouds, and looking up saw the
dwarf preparing to aim at him from a great height. But he
missed his aim and fell to the ground so heavily that his
body was half buried in the earth. The prince seized him
by the beard, which he at once cut off with the sharp smiting
sword.

Then he fastened the dwarf to the saddle, put the beard
in his helmet, and entered the palace. When the servants
saw that he had really got possession of the terrible beard,
they opened all the doors to give him entrance. Without
losing a moment he began his search for Princess Pietnotka.
For a long time he was unsuccessful, and was almost in
despair when he came across her accidentally, and, without
knowing it, knocked off the invisible cap. He saw his lovely