188 SLAV TALES

lerge stone column. At its foot stood a warrior on horseback,
clad in steel armour.

“Brave knight, can you direct me to the high-road?”
said the driver; “we are lost, and know not which way
to go.”

“T will show you the way,” said the warrior, “but only on.
one condition, that each of you gives me a kiss.”

The queen looked at the warrior in wrath, and ordered
the coachman to drive on. The carriage continued moving
nearly all day, but as if bewitched, for it always returned
to the stone column. This time the queen addressed the
warrior.

“ Knight,” said she, ‘‘show us the road, and I will reward
you richly.”

“JT am the Master Spirit of the Steppes,” answered he.
“JT demand payment for showing the way, and my payment
is always in kisses.”

“Very well, my twelve maids of honour shall pay you.”

“Thirteen kisses are due to me; the first must be given
by the lady who addresses me.”

The queen was very angry, and again the attempt was
made to find their way. But the carriage, though during the
whole time it moved in an opposite direction, still returned
to the stone column. It was now dark, and they were obliged
to think of finding shelter for the night, so the queen was
obliged to give the warrior his strange payment. Getting out
of her carriage she walked up to the knight, and looking
modestly down allowed him to kiss her; her twelve maids
of honour who followed did the same. A moment later
stone column and horseman had vanished, and they found