"To the castle of Dede-Vsevede, in search of three hairs from his head."
"Ah! you are the very envoy I have so long been expecting. I must conduct you to my master, the King. Follow me."
As soon as they arrived, the King said to him:—
"I hear that you have come on an embassy to Dede-Vsevede. We had here a well which used to fill itself, and which was so marvellous in its effects that sick people were immediately cured on drinking of its water. A few drops sprinkled upon a corpse sufficed to resuscitate it. Well, for twenty years past, this well has been dried up. If you promise to ask Dede-Vsevede how we can re-fill our well, I will reward you royally."
Plavacete promised, and the King dismissed him graciously.
Continuing his journey, he had to pass through a wide forest, in the midst of which he perceived a broad, grassy plain, full of beautiful flowers, in the centre of which stood a castle built of gold.
"THE PALACE OF DEDE-VSEVEDE."
It was the palace of Dede-Vsevede, radiant with splendour, looking as if it were made of fire. Plavacete entered it without encountering a single moving creature, except an old woman, half-hidden in a corner spinning.
"Welcome, Plavacete! I am glad to see you here."