OHNIVAK 277

precious stones. No sooner did the horse feel the change
than he began to neigh and caper about, while all the other
horses answered with a perfect storm of neighings. The
sentinels, aroused by the noise, ran in, and seizing the prince,
led him before the king.

“Tnsolent thief,” cried the enraged monarch, “how is it
that you have escaped the vigilance of the guards and have
dared to lay hands upon my horse with the golden mane?
It is really disgraceful.”

“True, I am nothing better,” replied the prince proudly,
“but I was forced to do it against my will.” And he related
all his misadventures at the copper castle, adding that it
was impossible to obtain the fire-bird except in exchange
for Zlato-Nrivak, and that he hoped his majesty would make
him a present of the horse.

“Most willingly,” answered the king, “but on one con-
dition, that you bring me the Maiden with the Golden
Locks: she lives in the golden castle on the shores of the
Black Sea.”

The fox was waiting in the forest the prince’s return, and
when he saw him come back without the horse he was very
angry indeed.

“Did I not warn you,” said he, “to be content with the
black leather bridle? It is really a loss of time to try and
help such an ungrateful fellow, for it seems impossible to
make you hear reason.”

‘Don’t be cross,” said the prince, “I confess that I am in
fault; I ought to have obeyed your orders. But have a little
more patience with me and help me out of this difficulty.”

“Very well; but this will certainly be the last time. If