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58 prince straightened it on his knee, and then returned to the castle.

Suddenly a dreadful hissing noise was heard; the Dragon was coming. His horse, the wind, flew with the swiftness of an arrow, vomiting forth flames. At a first glance the Dragon looked like a knight; but his head was that of a dragon. Usually at his approach, even if he were miles away, the palace would tremble, and move from place to place; now the Dragon observed, for the first time, that it did not stir. There must be a stranger within. The Dragon paused an instant—hissed and roared; his horse, the wind, shook his black mane and spread out his monstrous wings. The Dragon rushed to the palace, and the palace did not stir an inch.

"O-ho!" roared the Dragon, "I have to do with an enemy; perhaps it is the Pea."

Prince Ivan soon appeared.

"I will put you in the palm of one hand, clap my other hand upon you, and crush you to atoms!" cried the Dragon.

"We shall see," said Ivan, approaching with the staff.

"Begone from my castle!" roared the Dragon in a fury.

"Begone, you!" answered Ivan, lifting up his staff.