Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/276

260 when he heard that he was being pursued, conveyed the carriage and pair into a dark forest hard by, and then going back, took off his cap, seated himself near the entrance of the forest, put the cap beside him on the ground, and waited until the horseman came up to him.

"Hark you, little father!" cried the barin, "have you seen a peasant drive this way with a carriage and pair and a number of pigs in it?"

"See him? I should rather think I did! He rode past a long time ago."

"In which direction did he drive? How had I better go? Do you think I am likely to overtake him?"

"Yes, you could overtake him, I daresay; but the way he went by has many a turning, and you are sure to lose yourself. Is the road quite unknown to you?"

"Yes, little brother. I think, if you don't mind, it would be better for you to go in search of him and bring him back to me, for you seem to know the way so well!"

"No, brother, I could not possibly; for I have a falcon under my cap here and must watch it."

"I can do that for you."

"No, you are sure to let him out, and the bird is very valuable. Besides, if I lost it my master would never forgive me."

"But how much is it worth?"

"Three hundred roubles, I should think."

"Very well then, if I lose the bird I will pay the money."

"No, brother, if you really want me to go after the peasant, you had better give me the money now, for