“Ay,” said the fool; “I am lazy.”
The messenger began once more to entreat him.
“Be so good,” said he; “come with me, and the king will get you made a fine red coat, a red cap, and a pair of red boots.”
When the fool heard the red coat mentioned, he said—
“Go on before, I will follow.”
The messenger then pressed him no further, but went out and asked the sisters-in-law if there was any danger of the fool’s deceiving him. They assured him that there was not, and he went his way. The fool, who was still lying on the stove, then said to himself—
“How I hate this going to the king!”
Then after a few minutes’ thought—
“At the pike’s command, and at my request,” said he, “up stove, and away to the town.”
Instantly the wall of the room opened, and the stove moved out. When it had got clear of the yard, it went at such a rate that there was no overtaking it, and it came up with the king’s messenger, and went after him, and entered the palace with him. When the king knew the fool had come, he went forth with all his ministers to see him, and when he saw that Emelyan was come riding on the stove, he was greatly amazed. Emelyan still lay where he was, and said nothing. Then the king asked him why he had hurt so many people when he went to the wood.