Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/29

Rh accomplished the work that was to be done. In the evening the old hag came home, inspected everything, and cried out: "My faithful servants, my bosom friends, make some oil out of the poppy." Three pairs of hands appeared, seized the poppy, and carried it out of sight. The Baba Yaga sat down to supper, and while she ate, Vasilisa stood by in silence.

"Why don't you have something to say to me?' asked the Witch; "you stand there like one tongue-tied."

"I did not dare to," said Vasilisa; "but if you will allow me, I should like to ask you something."

"Ask away! Only remember—not every question leads to good! If you come to know too much you will quickly grow old."

"I only wanted to ask you about what I saw, grannie. As I was coming to you I was overtaken by a white horseman on a white horse in white clothes. Who is he?"

"That is my bright Day," said the Baba Yaga.

"Then I was overtaken by another horseman on a red horse. He was red and in red clothes. Who is he?"

"That is my red Sun," replied the Baba Yaga.