Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/166

150 "I have been to every house in the kingdom, and have possessed every one, while you have cast me out and got handsomely paid for doing so; now I intend to torment the king's daughter, but mind, don't you come near the palace, even if you are called for; don't try and heal the young princess, or—beware!"

The man promised to obey, and the little devil went to the palace and began tormenting the king's daughter. The princess was in despair. She cried, she tore her beautiful hair, and allowed no one to come near her. At last the king, who had heard of the wonderful man who was able to cast out evil spirits, ordered his servants to bring our friend before him. At first, the man would not come, but the king got so furious that the man was at last obliged to go to the palace.

"Cure my daughter," cried the king, "or off goes your head!"

This was rather too much. What was our unfortunate friend to do? He feared the demon, and he feared the king. Suddenly an idea struck him, and he told all the courtiers, all the servants, and all the people in the streets, to run about and call out in a loud voice, "Away! away! the angry wife is coming! The angry wife is coming!" while he himself went into the princess's chamber.

"What, you here after all!" exclaimed the little demon, when he saw the man enter, "wait till I get you alone, my friend! What did I tell you only the other day? I suppose you have forgotten. Well, I shall soon make you remember! Just you wait a moment!"