Page:The Russian story book, containing tales from the song-cycles of Kiev and Novgorod and other early sources.djvu/247

 o'clock. Here is a cup. Pour the spirits in. They shall hang me drunk."

"But the shoes are made," said Ivan quietly, looking at the man with amusement almost conquered by disgust.

"Made? How made? Who made them? Where are they? Can't you draw the blind and keep out that silly light?"

Ivan drew the blind but the light was not thereby diminished, and now the bewildered shoemaker saw that the radiance came from the precious stones in the shoes which Ivan held in his hand.

The man rubbed his eyes in a dazed manner and then said, "They are made sure enough and look small enough even for Elena the Beautiful. When did we make them?"

"They were made in the night," said Ivan quietly, "but it is possible that you do not remember. Do you really find yourself unable to recall having cut and sewed them. Do try to remember—think it over very hard."

"Oh, brother," said the bewildered shoemaker, "it must have been working over these brilliant gems that has dazed my wits. I barely remember, but only very barely. But I must make haste to carry them to Elena the Beautiful. Thank goodness we have been able to execute her exalted order."

"And that you have been saved from occupying a still more exalted position," said Ivan, who being a prince had a great sense of humour.

"Yes, indeed," said the shoemaker as he left the