“The man’s replies were so apt that the King’s ill-humor partly passed away.
“‘A horse has been stolen from the royal stables,’ said the King. ‘I am told you are a conjurer. If you are, find the horse.’
“The man seated himself on the carpet, drew a crystal stone from his pocket, and asked the young Prince to warm it in the palm of his hand. Then the man took it and looked at it a few moments, rubbing his hand over it as if something blurred his sight. Then he said:—
“‘The horse has on a blanket woven on a Russian loom. I see! A dapple-gray with milk-white mane and tail.’
“‘That is the horse!’ cried the Prince. ‘Where is he?’
“‘He is tied in a thicket a half league from here, near a road that leads to the river. He paws the ground and whinnies for his master. He is hungry.’
“At once messengers were sent and the horse found. The Prince was about to give the man a purse of gold, but the King stayed his hand, saying:—
“‘I’ll test this fellow. I believe he is an imposter.’
“The man was very much frightened at this, but there was no escape for him. The King went to his private apartment, and shortly came back with a covered basket in his hand.
“‘There is a bird in this nest,’ said the King. ‘If you are a conjurer, tell me the name of it.’