wn, returned home, and set itself in its old place. And
Emelyan lived there for some time comfortably and happy.

But it was very different in the town; for, at the word of Emelyan,
the King's daughter had fallen in love, and she began to implore her
father to give her the fool for her husband. The King was in a great
rage, both with her and the fool, but he knew not how to catch him;
then his minister proposed that the same officer, as a punishment for
not succeeding the first time, should be sent again to take Emelyan.
This advice pleased the King, and he summoned the officer to his
presence, and said: "Hark ye, friend! I sent you before for the fool,
and you came back without him; to punish you I now send you for him a
second time. If you bring him, you shall be rewarded; if you return
without him, you shall be punished."

When the officer heard this, he left the King and lost no time in
going in quest of the fool; and on coming to the village he called for
the Starosta and said to him: "Here is money for you; buy everything
necessary for a good dinner to-morrow. Invite Emelyan, and when he
comes, make him drink until he falls asleep." The Starosta, knowing
that the officer came from the King, was obliged to obey him; so he
bought all that was required and invited the fool. And Emelyan said he
would come, whereat the officer was greatly rejoiced. So next day the
fool came to dinner, and the Starosta plied him so well with drink
that he fell fast asleep. When the officer saw this, he ordered the
kibitka (or carriage) to be brought; and putting the fool into it,
they drove off to the town, and went straight to the palace. As soon
as the King heard that they were come, he ordered a large cask to be
provided without delay, and to be bound with strong iron hoops. When
the cask was brought to the King, and he saw that everything was ready
as he desired, he commanded his daughter and the fool to be put in it,
and the cask to be well pitched; and, when this was all done, the cask
was thrown into the sea, and left to the mercy of the waves. Then the
King returned to his palace, and the cask floated along upon the sea.
All this time the fool was fast asleep; when he awoke, and saw that it
was quite dark, he said to himself: "Where am I?" for he thought he
was alone. But the Princess said: "You are in a cask, Emelyan! and I
am shut up with you in it." "But who are you?" said the fool. "I am
the King's daughter," replied she. A