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 them myself. This time they shall not escape.’ And he galloped off, foaming with anger.

‘I think I hear someone pursuing us,’ said the princess.

‘Yes, so do I.’

‘And this time it is Kostieï himself. But his power only reaches as far as the first church, and he can go no farther. Give me your golden cross.’ So the prince unfastened the cross which was his mother’s gift, and the princess hastily changed herself into a church, the prince into a priest, and the horse into a belfry.

It was hardly done when Kostieï came up.

‘Greeting, monk. Have you seen some travellers on horseback pass this way?’

‘Yes, the prince and Kostieï’s daughter have just gone by. They have entered the church, and told me to give you their greetings if I met you.’

Then Kostieï knew that he had been hopelessly beaten, and the prince and princess continued their journey without any more adventures.