Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/139

Rh Alyonushka in marriage, and that he was welcome to choose one of them for her husband.

The peasant was delighted at the idea of such rich princes wanting to marry his daughter. But Alyonushka was by no means glad, for she knew by their voices that they were the robbers to whom she had thrown out the remains of their brother.

"Dear father," said she, "these are no princes, but the robbers, who came to steal your goods last night."

"Nonsense, girl!" cried her father angrily, "you can see by their dress that they are princes."

Still Alyonushka cried and begged her father not to give her away, but all in vain.

"If you don't marry now, and accept one of these good men," said her father, "we shall turn you out of the house."

Poor girl, what was she to do, but obey her father? So she chose one of them who was called the "Robber Fool," on account of his good-nature.

The wedding took place, and everything was as grand as it could possibly be, money seemed to be no object there.

After the wedding the robbers and the unfortunate Alyonushka rode off to the forest. No sooner were they out of sight of the villagers than they began plotting against Alyonushka.

"How shall we be revenged on her?" asked one.

"Oh! don't think of doing anything to her just yet," replied the Robber Fool; "let her live at least one day."

"All right," said the captain of the band.