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Rh scarce lift his eyes to its summit. He turned out his good horse to graze on white summer wheat on the open steppe, searched till he came upon the iron door and entered the cave. Here he found the four iron claws, and binding them to his hands and feet, began to climb the mountain.

For a whole month he climbed, higher and higher, and finally he reached the top, which was so high that from it one could see the whole world, with all its countries, spread out as if on the palm of the hand. Here he took off his iron claws, thanked God, and after resting three days, went straight before him.

Whether the way was long or short, he came at length to a vast Palace built all of copper. No guard stood at its gate, and he entered. Each room through which he passed was of copper. In the inmost chamber sat a maiden on a copper chair, embroidering upon a copper frame, and the scissors, the thimble and the needle she used were of copper also. He greeted her and told her his quest.

"This is indeed a Palace of Kastchey, good youth," said the damsel. "I, too, was stolen away from my father's Tzardom by the Wizard, who comes hither to visit me once every three months. I know naught of thy little mother, but if thou