200 SLAV TALES

difficult task, but your courage will enable you to accomplish
it successfully. I will tell you how to kill Kostey, for without
that you can do nothing. Now, in the very midst of the ocean
lies the Island of Eternal Life. Upon this island is an oak
tree, and at the foot of it, hidden in the earth, a coffer bound
with iron. A hare is shut up in this coffer, and under her sits
a grey duck whose body contains an egg. Within this egg
is Kostey’s life—if it be broken he dies. Good-bye, Prince
Junak, start without loss of time. Your horse will carry you
to the island.”

Junak mounted his horse, spoke a few words to him, and
the brave creature fled through space with the swiftness of an
arrow. Leaving the forest and its enormous trees behind, they
soon reached the shores of the ocean. Fishermen’s nets lay
on the beach, and in one of them was a large sea fish who,
struggling to free itself, spoke to the prince in a human
voice.

“Prince Junak,” he said sadly, “free me from my prison ;
I assure you you will lose nothing by doing me this service.”

Junak did what was required of him, and threw the fish
back into the water. It plunged and disappeared, but he
paid little attention to it, so occupied was he with his own
thoughts. In the far distance could be seen the rocks of the
Island of Eternal Life, but there seemed no way of reaching
it. Leaning on his club he thought and thought, and ever as
he thought he grew sadder and sadder.

“What is the matter, Prince Junak? Has anything vexed
you?” asked his horse.

“How can I help grieving when, while in sight of the
island, I can go no further? How can we cross the sea?”