of the
bed, but the snapping-turtle nipped his tail, and made him retreat
under the feet of the horse, who kicked him over to the ox, who tossed
him back to the horse; and thus beset he was glad to escape to the
back yard to take a rest, and to consider the situation. Seeing a
clean paper spread on the ground, he went to lie upon it, and fell
into the well. The old woman heard the fall, rushed out, rolled the
mill-stone down on him, and crushed him.

* * * * *

RUSSIAN STORIES

* * * * *

KING KOJATA

King Kojata ruled over a mighty kingdom, and was beloved by his
subjects; but because he had no heir to his crown, both he and the
Queen lamented. Once, while traveling through his territories, he came
to a well that was filled to the brim with clear cold water; and being
very thirsty, he stopped to drink. On the top of the water floated a
golden vessel, which the King attempted to seize; but just as his hand
touched it, away it floated to the other side of the well. He went
around to where the vessel rested and tried again, with the same
result. Every time the King touched the basin it glided from his
grasp. At last, losing patience, he gave up trying to seize the
vessel, and bending over the well, he began to drink. His long beard
had fallen into the water, and when he had slaked his thirst and
attempted to rise, he found himself held fast by it. After vainly
pulling and jerking for some time, he looked down into the water and
saw a hideous face grinning at him. Its eyes were green and shining,
its teeth showed from ear to ear, and it held him by the beard with
two bony claws. In horror, the king tried to extricate himself, but a
terrible voice came from the depths of the well:

"You cannot get away, King Kojata, so do not make me pull your beard
too hard. There is something at the palace of which you do not know;
promise to give it to me, and I will release you."

The King did not know of anything that could have arrived at the
palace during his absence worth the discomfort he was experiencing;
so he very readily gave his promise, and was freed. When he had shaken
the water from his beard, he looked in the well for the ugly monster
which had held him captive, but he was nowhere to be seen. Summoning
his attendants, he at once set out for home, where he arrived in a few
days. The people along the way hailed him with delight; and when he