THE SPIRIT OF THE STEPPES 205

The club began by breaking down the iron doors, and
thus reached Kostey. The giant was soon so crippled with
blows that his teeth were smashed, lightnings flashed from his
eyes, and he rolled round and round like a pin-cushion.
Had he been a man he must have died under such treat-
ment. But he was no man, this master of sorcery. So he
managed to get on his feet and look for his tormentor.
The blows from the club rained hard upon him all the
time, and with such effect that his groans could be heard
all over the island. On approaching the window he saw
Prince Junak.

“Ah, wretch!” cried the ogre, “it is you, is it, who
torments me in this way!” and he prepared to blow upon
him with his poisonous breath. But the prince instantly
crushed the egg between his hands, the shell broke, the
white and yellow mingled and flowed to the ground, and
Kostey died.

As the sorcerer breathed his last, the enchantments
vanished and the sleeping islanders awoke. The army, once
more afoot, advanced with beating drums to the palace, and
everything fell into its accustomed place. As soon as Princess
Sudolisu was freed from her prison she held out her white
hand to her deliverer, and thanking him in the most touching
words, led him to the throne and placed him at her side.
The twelve maids of honour having chosen young and brave
warriors, ranged themselves with their lovers round the
queen. Then the doors were thrown open, and the priests in
their robes entered, bearing a golden tray of wedding rings.
Thereupon the marriage ceremony was gone through, and the
lovers united in God’s name.