er, they came upon a tiny
lake, where they decided to spend the night. They kindled a fire,
unpacked cooking utensils and food, and took their evening meal. After
that they disposed themselves to sleep. Then said the second brother,
"Do you two go to rest; I will mount guard to-night."

The two brothers therefore lay down to sleep, but the third cheerfully
sat up and kept watch. Suddenly a rustling sound from the lake met his
ears, and he saw a sight which curdled the blood in his veins. A
two-headed Dragon rushed tumultuously upon the brothers as if to
annihilate them all three.

Quick as thought the watcher sprang up, drew his glittering sword,
avoided the Dragon's attack, and cut off his two heads. Then he sliced
off the ears and put them into his wallet, throwing the other parts of
the monster back into the lake. The brothers knew nothing of the
affair, for both slept soundly until dawn.

When day broke the second brother called to them, "Wake up, brothers,
the morning dawns!"

Immediately they sprang up, packed their goods, and set forth upon
their way; but they had not the least idea where they were or in what
country.

A great fear overwhelmed them that they might perish of hunger in
this wilderness, and they besought God to guide them at least to some
inhabited village or city, or to permit them to meet some human being,
for they had already wandered three days in this inhospitable
wilderness without coming to the end or finding any way out.

It was rather early in the day when they came to a pretty large lake
and decided to go no farther, but to make their camp on this
lake-side. For they said, "If we go farther we shall very probably not
find any more water near which to make our camp."

They remained, therefore, in this place, built a great fire, supped,
and made ready to sleep. Then said the youngest brother.

"Do you two go to rest. I will take the watch to-night."

So the two lay down and soon fell asleep, but the youngest brother
kept a sharp lookout, and often threw a glance over the shining
surface of the lake.

Thus passed away a portion of the night, when suddenly the lake boiled
up, surged, foaming, upon the fire and half-extinguished it. But the
watcher whipped out his sword and took his position close to the fire.
Suddenly a three-headed Dragon rushed forth and made as if to kill the
brothers.

Now was the hero-spirit of the youth tested. He waked not his
brothers, but went forth alo