OHNIVAK 275

opened his eyes and gave a piercing scream; so shrill was it
that it awoke the other birds, who began to sing as loud as
they could, and gave the alarm to the guards at the palace
door. These rushed in, seized the prince, and dragged him
before the king. The latter was very angry, and said:
“Tnfamous thief, who are you to have dared to force an
entrance, and pass through my sentinels, to steal my bird
Ohnivak ?”

“T am not a thief,” answered the young prince indignantly,
“JT have come to reclaim a thief whom you protect. I am the
son of a king, and in my father’s gardens is an apple tree that
bears golden fruit. It blossoms at morning-time, while during
the day the flower develops into an apple that grows and
ripens after sunset. Now in the night your bird robbed us
of our golden apples, and though I watched and wounded
him I could not catch him. My father is dying with grief
because of this, and the only remedy that can save and restore
him to health, is that he may listen to the fire-bird’s song.
This is why I beg your majesty to give him me.”

“You may have him,” said the king, “but on one con-
dition, that you bring me Zlato-Nrivak, the horse with the
golden mane.”

So the prince had to go away empty-handed.

“Why did you not do as I told you? Why must you
go and take the golden cage?” said the fox, in despair at
the failure of the expedition.

“JT admit it was my own fault,” said the prince, “but
do not punish me by being angry. I want your advice: tell
me how I am to get Zlato-Nrivak ?”

‘‘T know how it can be done,” answered the red fox,