Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/210

202 "Well, if yon don't want any now, pocket some, and go your way." The good prince, would he, nould he, was obliged to put some of the leaden dumplings into his pocket. He then took leave, and proceeded further.

On he went, and on he went for three whole days and three nights, and the further he went the deeper he wandered into a thickly wooded and gloomy range of mountains. Before him it was desolate, behind him it was desolate; there was not a single living creature to be seen. All wearied from his long journey, he threw himself on the ground. The clang of his silver-mounted sword spread far and wide. Above him four-and-twenty ravens, frightened by the clash of his sword, began to croak, arising on their wings, flew into the air. "A good sign!" cried the prince. "I will go in the direction in which the birds have flown."

And on he went in that direction; on he went as fast as his feet could carry him, till all at once a lofty castle displayed itself to him! He was still far from the castle, and already the walls were glistening in his eyes, for the castle was of pure silver. In front of the castle stood an old woman, bent with age, leaning on a long, silver staff, and this was Jezibaba. "Ah! my son! How is it that you have come here? Here there is neither bird nor insect, much less a human being," cried Jezibaba to the prince: "if life is dear to you, flee away! for if my son comes, he will devour you." "Nay, old mother! he will hardly eat me; I bring him a greeting from his brother in the leaden castle." "Well, if you bring a greeting from the leaden castle, then come into the parlour, my son, and tell me what you are seeking." "What I am seeking, old mother? For ever so long a time I've been seeking the glass hill and the three lemons, and cannot find them: now I've come to inquire whether you can't give me information about them." "I know nothing about the glass hill; but stay I when my son comes, maybe he will be able to give you the information. Hide yourself under the bed, and don't make yourself known without I call you."

The mountains echoed with a mighty voice, the castle quaked, and the prince knew that Jezibaba's son was coming home. "Foh! foh I there's a smell of human flesh, I'm going to eat it," roared a horrible