ure in this manner. But as the labourer had a
clear conscience, he did not fear his son-in-law's threats. The latter,
however, actually made his complaint to the authorities, and the court
sent for the other sons-in-law of the labourer, and inquired whether
each of their brides had received the same portion. The men declared
that each had received a chest of linen and a hundred silver roubles.
This caused great surprise, for the whole neighbourhood knew that the
labourer was a poor man, and had no other treasure but his twelve pretty
daughters. The people knew that the daughters had always worn clean
white linen from their earliest years, but nobody had seen them wear any
other ornaments, neither brooches nor coloured neckerchiefs. The judge
now determined to investigate this wonderful affair more closely, and to
find out whether the old man was really a sorcerer.

One day the judge left the town, attended by his police. They wished to
surround the labourer's house with guards, so that no one could get out
and carry away the treasure. The avaricious son-in-law accompanied them
as guide. When they reached the wood in which the labourer's house
stood, guards were posted on all sides, with strict orders not to allow
any one to pass till the matter had been fully investigated. The rest
left their horses behind, and followed the footpath to the cottage. The
son-in-law warned them to advance slowly and silently, for fear the
sorcerer might see them coming and escape on the wings of the wind.
They had already nearly reached the cottage, when they were suddenly
dazzled by the wonderful splendour which shone through the trees. As
they advanced, a large and splendid palace became visible. It was
entirely built of glass, and illuminated by hundreds of tapers, although
the sun shone, and the day was perfectly light. Two sentries stood at
the door, wholly cased in brazen armour, and holding long drawn swords
in their hands. The officials did not know what to make of it, and
everything looked more like a dream than reality. Then the door opened,
and a young man gaily attired in silken garments, came forth and said,
"Our queen has commanded that the chief-justice shall appear before
her." Although the judge felt some alarm, he decided to follow the young
man into the house.

Who can describe the splendour which he beheld! In a magnificent hall as
large as a church sat a lady enthroned, robed in silk, satin, and gold.
Some feet lower