to pieces on the rocks below.

And that was the end of that dragon!

Then the Princess wept but her tears were tears of joy for she knew now
that the enchantment that had bound her was broken forever. Never again
would she be changed into a peafowl at the whim of a wicked dragon,
never again be separated from her loved one. Presently she mounted the
dragon's horse and together she and the Prince returned to the beautiful
city. The people came out to meet them and when they heard of the
dragon's death a holiday was proclaimed and amidst music and dancing and
merrymaking the Princess married the Prince. Then she was made Queen of
that beautiful city and the Prince was made King. They ruled long and
wisely and better than that they lived happily for they loved each
other.

_So now you know the story of the Peafowl who became a Queen and of the
Tsar's Youngest Son who married her._

[Illustration]

THE DRAGON'S STRENGTH

[Illustration]

_The Story of the Youngest Prince Who Killed the Sparrow_

THE DRAGON'S STRENGTH

There was once a King who had three sons. One day the oldest son went
hunting and when night fell his huntsmen came riding home without him.

"Where is the prince?" the King asked.

"Isn't he here?" the huntsmen said. "He left us in midafternoon chasing
a hare near the Old Mill up the river. We haven't seen him since and we
supposed he must have come home alone."

When he hadn't returned the following day his brother, the second
prince, went out to search for him.

"I'll go to the Old Mill," he said to the King, "and see what's become
of him."

So he mounted his horse and rode up the river. As he neared the Old Mill
a hare crossed his path and the second prince being a hunter like his
brother at once gave chase. His attendant waited for his return but
waited in vain. Night fell and still there was no sign of the second
prince.

The attendant returned to the palace and told the King what had
happened. The King was surprised but not unduly alarmed and the
following day when the Youngest Prince asked to go hunting alone the
King suggested that he go in the direction of the Old Mill to find out
if he could what was keeping his brothers.

The Youngest Prince who had listened carefully to what his brothers'
attendants had reported decided to act cautiously. So when a hare
crossed his path as he approached the Old Mill, instead of giving it
chase, he rode off as though he were hunti