fe shall be spared, on condition you leave the country;
but if you cannot perform what I demand you shall be hung on the
nearest tree.'

And turning to the two wicked brothers he said, 'Suggest something for
him to do; no matter how difficult, he must succeed in it or die.'

They did not think long, but replied, 'Let him build your Majesty in
one day a more beautiful palace than this, and if he fails in the
attempt let him be hung.'

The King was pleased with this proposal, and commanded Ferko to set to
work on the following day. The two brothers were delighted, for they
thought they had now got rid of Ferko for ever. The poor youth himself
was heart-broken, and cursed the hour he had crossed the boundary of
the King's domain. As he was wandering disconsolately about the
meadows round the palace, wondering how he could escape being put to
death, a little bee flew past, and settling on his shoulder whispered
in his ear, 'What is troubling you, my kind benefactor? Can I be of
any help to you? I am the bee whose wing you healed, and would like to
show my gratitude in some way.'

Ferko recognised the queen bee, and said, 'Alas! how could you help
me? for I have been set to do a task which no one in the whole world
could do, let him be ever such a genius! To-morrow I must build a
palace more beautiful than the King's, and it must be finished before
evening.'

'Is that all?' answered the bee, 'then you may comfort yourself; for
before the sun goes down to-morrow night a palace shall be built
unlike any that King has dwelt in before. Just stay here till I come
again and tell you that it is finished.' Having said this she flew
merrily away, and Ferko, reassured by her words, lay down on the grass
and slept peacefully till the next morning.

Early on the following day the whole town was on its feet, and
everyone wondered how and where the stranger would build the wonderful
palace. The Princess alone was silent and sorrowful, and had cried all
night till her pillow was wet, so much did she take the fate of the
beautiful youth to heart.

Ferko spent the whole day in the meadows waiting the return of the
bee. And when evening was come the queen bee flew by, and perching on
his shoulder she said, 'The wonderful palace is ready. Be of good
cheer, and lead the King to the hill just outside the city walls.' And
humming gaily she flew away again.

Ferko went at once to the King and told him the palace was finished.
The whole