Page:Russian Fairy Book (N. H. Dole).djvu/82

 and I will present you with the gold-maned horse and the golden bridle with all honour. But if you do not do me this service, then I will proclaim it abroad to all the nations that you are a dishonourable thief."

Prince Ivan went away from the palace and wept bitterly. He came to the Gray Wolf and told him what had happened to him.

"Oho, you are a fine young man, Prince Ivan!" exclaimed the Gray Wolf. "Why did you disobey my word and take the golden bridle?"

"I am to blame before you!": said Prince Ivan to the Wolf.

"Very good, so be it!' continued the Gray Wolf. "Mount on my back, on the Gray Wolf's back; I will take you where you want to go."

Prince Ivan mounted on the Gray Wolf's back, and the Wolf ran as swiftly as an arrow, and at last he came to the realm of Queen Helena the Beautiful, to the golden streamlet which bordered a magical garden; and the Gray Wolf said to Prince Ivan:

"Now, Prince Ivan, dismount from me, from the Gray Wolf, and go back along the same road and wait for me in the open field under the green oak."