Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/314

298 king thought he would have a stroll by the river-side, so he went. He had not been there long when out of the water appeared the very same man whom he had seen on the island, and who had helped him out of his trouble.

"Well, king!" said the man, "you have grown very forgetful! Don't you remember that you promised me something, but have not fulfilled your promise?"

The king sighed, and going home told his wife and son the whole truth.

They talked and wept, but nothing was to be done; they had to part with the prince whether they liked it or not, so they took him to the river-side and left him there.

As soon as the young prince was left to himself he looked around him and beheld a little foot-path; he walked along it, wondering where it would bring him to. On, on he went until he found himself in a dark and dreary forest, where he saw a little hut in which lived an old fairy.

"I think I might as well go in," he thought, and entered.

"Good-day to you, my prince!" said the old fairy. "What brings you here? Have you come on business or only for pleasure?"

"Oh, never mind, old lady! Give me something to eat and drink first, and then ask me as many questions as you like!"

She did so, and then the prince told her everything, and asked how he had best get to this man of the sea.

"Go, my child, to the dark blue sea," answered the