struck the ground with her foot and a gulf opened,
down which they went right into the heart of the earth. In a short time
they reached Kostiei's palace, which gives light, with a light brighter
than the sun, to the dark kingdoms below. And the prince, as he had been
bidden, entered boldly into the hall.

Kostiei, with a shining crown upon his head, sat in the centre upon a
golden throne. His green eyes glittered like glass, his hands were
as the claws of a crab. When he caught sight of the prince he uttered
piercing yells, which shook the walls of the palace. The prince took no
notice, but continued his advance on his knees towards the throne. When
he had almost reached it, the king broke out into a laugh and said:

'It has been very lucky for you that you have been able to make me
laugh. Stay with us in our underground empire, only first you will have
to do three things. To-night it is late. Go to sleep; to-morrow I will
tell you.'

Early the following morning the prince received a message that Kostiei
was ready to see him. He got up and dressed, and hastened to the
presence chamber, where the little king was seated on his throne. When
the prince appeared, bowing low before him, Kostiei began:

'Now, Prince, this is what you have to do. By to-night you must build
me a marble palace, with windows of crystal and a roof of gold. It is to
stand in the middle of a great park, full of streams and lakes. If
you are able to build it you shall be my friend. If not, off with your
head.'

The prince listened in silence to this startling speech, and then
returning to his room set himself to think about the certain death that
awaited him. He was quite absorbed in these thoughts, when suddenly a
bee flew against the window and tapped, saying, 'Let me come in.' He
rose and opened the window, and there stood before him the youngest
princess.

'What are you dreaming about, Prince?'

'I was dreaming of your father, who has planned my death.'

'Fear nothing. You may sleep in peace, and to-morrow morning when you
awake you will find the palace all ready.'

What she said, she did. The next morning when the prince left his
room he saw before him a palace more beautiful than his fancy had
ever pictured. Kostiei for his part could hardly believe his eyes, and
pondered deeply how it had got there.

'Well, this time you have certainly won; but you are not going to be let
off so easily. To-morrow all my twelve daughters shall stand