One day, as the Tzar sat musing sadly and troubled at heart in his summer-house, his three sons came into the garden and not knowing that he was within hearing, began to converse. "Methinks our little father is bereft of his reason," said Alexé, the eldest. "These boasting heroes who come from afar are galloping off with all his treasures. He is a fool to put faith in them. I warrant I could do as well as they."
Dimitry, the second son, said: "Doubtless they are but sorry scoundrels who play upon our Tzar-father's credulity. With a tenth of the sum that has been given them I myself would find our little mother."
But Petr, the youngest, said: "Not so, my brothers. If Kastchey the Wizard has her, it will need a stout heart to bring her back, and who knoweth where that may be found? Would, however, that our little father would send us abroad to do our best!"
When the lads had left the garden, Tzar Bel-Belianin reëntered the Palace and summoned them to his presence. "My dear sons," he said, "ye know how the loss of thy mother oppresses my heart and soul. Many brave heroes have searched for her vainly and I am minded now to send one of
