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236 even had Muzhichek known what direction his servant had taken, he would have had trouble enough to overtake him. They came to the deserted land where stood the splendid Palace, and rested there three weeks, and Schmat-Razum feasted the archer and his mother-in-law and her six daughters every day. Taraban left there the aged frog, whom the old mother promised, for her services, three jars of fresh milk every nine days for ever. Then, with his invisible servant, Taraban set out again for his own Tzardom.

He journeyed six months without stopping and at the end of that time was so wearied that he could scarce set one foot before the other, and at length he sank down on the ground, saying: "Schmat-Razum, my faithful servant! Thou must find another master, for I am utterly exhausted and I fear me I shall never see my own Tzardom and my dear wife again!"

"Why didst thou not tell me thou wast wearied?" said Schmat-Razum; "I will carry thee as far and as swiftly as thou desirest!" And instantly Taraban felt himself lifted as if by a whirlwind, and borne through the air with such exceeding swiftness that he could scarce see the rivers and forests, the towns and villages, flying past. Presently he