The Prince handed over his silver snuff-box, took his leave, and
went his way. One day he went, another day he went, and on the
third day he came to where Marya Morevna was. She caught
sight of her love, flung her arms around his neck, burst into tears,
and exclaimed:

`Oh, Prince Ivan! why did you disobey me and go looking into
the closet and letting out Koshchei the Deathless?'

`Forgive me, Marya Morevna! Remember not the past; much
better fly with me while Koshchei the Deathless is out of sight.
Perhaps he won't catch us.'

So they got ready and fled. Now Koshchei was out hunting.
Towards evening he was returning home, when his good steed
stumbled beneath him.

`Why stumblest thou, sorry jade? Scentest thou some ill?'
The steed replied:

`Prince Ivan has come and carried off Marya Morevna.'
`Is it possible to catch them?'

`It is possible to sow wheat, to wait till it grows up, to reap it
and thresh it, to grind it to flour, to make five pies of it, to eat
those pies, and then to start in pursuit--and even then to be in time.'
Koshchei galloped off and caught up Prince Ivan.

`Now,' says he, `this time I will forgive you, in return for your