Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/146

 She galloped out on the bridge, but when she reached the middle, the bridge broke and the Baba Yaga fell with a thud into the river, and there a cruel death overtook her!

Prince Ivan pastured the colt in green meadows, and he grew into a wonderful horse. Then the prince came riding up to Marya Morevna. She came running to meet him, threw herself on his neck, and said: "How did God deliver you?"

"So and so," said he; "come with me."

"I am afraid, Prince Ivan! If Koshchei should catch us, he would make mincemeat of you again."

"No, he will not catch us this time! I have a wonderful and a gallant horse; he flies like a bird."

They mounted on the horse's back and set off.

Koshchei the Deathless was on his way home; his horse stumbled under him.

"What is the matter with you, you hungry jade, that you stumble so? or do you scent some misfortune?"

"Prince Ivan has come and has carried off Marya Morevna."

"Well, we can catch him, can't we?"

"God knows! now Prince Ivan has a gallant horse, better than I am."