Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/228

212 there would be plenty of time to overtake the king and Marie-Marevna."

Away rode the skeleton on his horse, and very soon overtook the fugitives.

"I have already told you, King Vladimir," said the skeleton, "that this will be the last time that I shall forgive you. If you run away with Marie-Marevna a third time, you are a dead man!"

He took the unfortunate queen away from her husband, and off he rode.

When left alone, King Vladimir again began to weep bitterly. This time he did not know what to do—he wanted to have Marie-Marevna back again, but, on the other hand, he had no particular wish to be turned into minced meat. However, nothing was to be done; he had to chance it. So he took courage, and returned to the horrible palace, where he found Marie-Marevna, looking as miserable as she could possibly look, and in tears. The skelelon had, as usual, gone hunting.

"Come, Marie-Marevna, let us try and get away from here before the skeleton returns!" the king said.

"I am afraid he will overtake us again, King Vladimir, and you know that if he catches us this time he will cut you up—he told you so."

"I know he did; but never mind, we may be able to escape him this time. Come!"

The horse again began stumbling as the skeleton turned homewards.

"What is it?" asked the skeleton. "Is there any more misfortune in the air, you brute?"