“Do not blame me,” replied Ivan, stretching himself, “go first into the work-room, and see what you find there.”
The shoemaker went off, and how much was he astonished to find there a number of shoes all finished. He went to them and took up a shoe to look at the work, but he was more astonished still, and began to disbelieve his eyes, for there was not a single stitch in the shoes, but they were all of one piece. He took some of the shoes and set off to sell them, and every one who saw the wonderful shoes bought them eagerly. His fame spread, and in a short time the shoemaker became so noted that they sent for him to the palace. There he saw the princesses, who ordered him to make them some dozens of shoes, adding that they must all be ready by the next morning. He told them that it was impossible for him to do what they asked, but they said that if he did not do what they told him he should have his head cut off, for they declared they well knew he made his shoes by some magic means.
The poor shoemaker left the castle, thinking he was as good as a dead man, went into the city, bought some leather, and went a-drinking to drive off care. Towards evening he came home, and throwing the leather down upon the floor, said to his new man—
“Listen, you wretched fellow, to what you have done with your magic work.”
So he told him all that had happened with the princesses, and how he was to be put to death if he did not do what they commanded.
“Don’t be put out,” said Ivan; “lie down and go to sleep. The morning will bring us good luck.”
His master thanked him for what he said, laid himself down on a bench, and very quickly began to snore. Then Ivan called upon his spirit, ordered him to make all ready, and went to sleep himself.
Though the shoemaker had been very drunk, when he awoke early in the morning he remembered that he was to have his head cut off that day. So he went to his man and said—
“Let us have a bottle together, so that I may be more courageous when I am under the axe.”
“Do not fear,” answered Ivan; “go into your workshop. You will find that all is finished, and ready to be taken to the palace.”