250 SLAV TALES

Niezguinek was engaged elsewhere. When the king went out
he found the letter, and calling Niezguinek to him, said, “I
should very much like to have the phonic guzla you mention
in your letter.”

“But, sire, I have not written anything about a guzla,”
said he.

‘Read the note then. Is it not in your handwriting ?”

Niezguinek read :

“Jn a certain country, within the house of old Yaga, is a
marvellous guzla: if the king wish I will fetch it for him.
“« (Signed) NIEZGUINEK.”

“Tt is true,” said he, “that this writing resembles mine,
but it is a forgery, for I never wrote it.”

“Never mind,” said the king, “as you were able to take
my enemy prisoner you will certainly be able to succeed in
getting old Yaga’s guzla: go then, and do not return without
it, or you will be executed.”

Niezguinek bowed and went out. He went straight to the
stable, where he found his charger looking very sad and thin,
his head drooping before the trough, the hay untouched.

“What is the matter with you, my good steed? What
grieves you?”

“‘T grieve for us both, for I foresee a long and perilous
journey.”

“You are right, old fellow, but we have to go. And what
is more, we have to take away and bring here old Yaga’s guzla ;
and how shall we do it, seeing that she knows us?”

“We shall certainly succeed if you do as I tell you.”

Then the horse gave him certain instructions, and when