Page:The folk-tales of the Magyars.djvu/206

130 suspicious, and when she told them the scene with the girl, and in proof of her tale produced the finger with the ring, the brothers were terrified and exclaiming, “We are betrayed!” took flight; but everything was arranged, and the servants, who were ordered to watch, caught them. After an investigation all their numberless horrible deeds were brought to light and they were beheaded. THE SPEAKING GRAPES, THE SMILING APPLE, AND THE TINKLING APRICOT.

HERE was once, I don’t know where, beyond seven times seven countries, a king who had three daughters. One day the king was going to the market, and thus inquired of his daughters: “What shall I bring you from the market, my dear daughters?” The eldest said, “A golden dress, my dear royal father;” the second said, “A silver dress for me;” the third said, “Speaking grapes, a smiling apple, and a tinkling apricot for me.” “Very well, my daughters,” said the king, and went. He bought the dresses for his two elder daughters in the market, as soon as he arrived; but, in spite of all exertions and inquiries, he could not find the speaking grapes, the smiling apple, and tinkling apricot. He was very sad that he could not get what his youngest daughter wished, for she was his favourite; and he went home. It happened, however, that the royal carriage stuck fast on the way home, although his horses were of the best breed, for they were such high steppers that they kicked the stars. So he at once sent for extra horses to drag out the carriage; but all in vain, the horses couldn’t move either way. He gave up all hope, at last, of getting out of the position, when a dirty, filthy pig came that way, and grunted,