Page:Czechoslovak stories.pdf/173

 a tree at the edge of the wood with Lišaj near her she recalled the tale of the traveler who, like her, lay under a tree in the forest and wished himself in a palace beside a beautiful princess, and to attain his desire wanted to sell himself to the devil. Barely did his thoughts turn to the devil when the devil stood before him

“What would I wish for if the devil appeared before me now?” Bára asked herself, patting Lišaj’s head.

“Hm!” she smiled. “I’d ask him to give me such a headkerchief that when I’d wrap myself in it I’d be invisible and when I’d say, ‘Take me to such and such a place,’ I’d be there at once. I’d first of all want to be with Elška.” And she thought hard a long, long time, but it was quiet everywhere, not even a tree rustling. Finally her curiosity gave her no peace and she called out softly, “Mr. Devil!”

Not a sound in response.

Then a little louder and more and more loudly until her voice re-echoed far and wide, “Devil, Mr. Devil!” Among the herd the black heifer raised its head, and when the voice sounded again it separated from the rest of the cattle and ran merrily to the forest. Then Lišaj leaped up, intending to return the heifer to the herd as was his duty. The black heifer stood still.

Bára burst into gay laughter. “Leave it alone, Lišaj. The heifer is obedient and thought I was calling it.” She jumped up, patted the “devil” on the