“None,” answered the officials, “except a young stranger who is the guest of a poor widow.”
“Bring him here!” ordered the Prince. The lad was brought.
“Why,” exclaimed the maiden, pointing at the blood mark which she had made with her own hand, “this is the hero!”
“Now, hero,” said the Prince, “the maiden whom you saved is yours; ask of me whatever else you please.”
“Long live the Prince!” answered the lad. “May Heaven bless the union of your daughter with a suitable husband, and may you enjoy your estates for many, many years! I ask of you only forty bottles of wine and forty sheep’s tails, that the eagle may take me to the upper world.”
The Prince so commanded, and they were immediately given to the lad, who at once took them to the eagle.
“Now,” said the eagle, “place the sheep’s tails on my right wing, and the bottles of wine on my left, and seat yourself between. When I say, “Boo,” pour in my mouth a bottle of wine, and when I say “Coo,” give me a sheep’s tail.”
The lad went first to take leave of the old woman, who gave him her blessing. As soon as the load was placed on the back of the eagle she took her flight. Every time she said “Boo” a bottle of wine was poured into her mouth, and every time she said “Coo” a sheep’s tail was given to her. They ascended and ascended until they came to the world of light. “Coo!” said the eagle, the last time. The lad was so glad and in so great a hurry that the last sheep’s tail which he was going to give to the eagle fell from his hand. But he did not wish to disappoint his friend, so he drew his sword, and cutting one of the calves of his own leg, gave it to the eagle. The wise bird knew from the flavor that it was human flesh, and kept it under her tongue. They arrived at their destination.
“Well, now,” said the eagle putting the lad on the ground, “go along your way.”
“No,” said the lad, “you go first; my legs are benumbed, I want to take a little rest.”