step from this place. You
have no idea who Steelpacha is. Many an army and much treasure did I
waste before I got him in my power. So remain quietly with me. I will
provide another wife for you. And don't be unhappy; I love you as my
own son."

But the Prince was deaf to all these persuasions, and adhered to his
first resolution. He provided himself with the necessary money,
mounted his horse, and went forth into the world to seek Steelpacha.
For a long time he wandered about, and at last he arrived at a city.
He was gazing around with some curiosity, when suddenly a woman called
to him from a balcony, "You Prince, get down from your horse and come
into the court!"

As the Prince entered the court the woman came to meet him. He looked
narrowly at her and recognized his eldest sister. They flew into each
other's arms and lavished sweet kisses upon each other.

The sister was the first to speak. "Come out upon the balcony with me,
brother."

When they were upon the balcony the Prince asked his sister whom she
had married, and she answered, "I am married to the Emperor of the
Dragons. My husband is himself a Dragon. So, brother, it would be
worth your while to hide, for my husband often says he would cut his
brothers-in-law in small bits if he ever laid eyes upon them. Let me
first question him; if he promises to do you no harm I will tell him
of your arrival."

So said and so done. The sister concealed her brother and his horse.
The evening drew on. The Dragon's supper was ready; they were awaiting
his arrival, when at last he came. When he flew in the whole earth was
bathed in blinding light; but he had hardly entered when he called to
his wife:

"Wife, I smell men's bones. Who is here? Tell me quick!"

"No one is here," she answered.

"That is not possible," said he.

Upon this the wife said, "I want to ask you a question, and do you
answer me truly and honestly. Would you do any harm to my brothers if
they happened to come here?"

The Dragon-emperor answered, "I would have the eldest and the second
killed and roasted, but I would do nothing to the youngest."

Upon this she said, "My youngest brother, your brother-in-law, is
arrived."

When the Dragon-emperor heard this he cried, "Out with him, then!" And
when the sister brought her brother from his hiding-place the Emperor
ran to meet him and showered kisses upon him.

"Welcome here, brother-in-law!"

"God be with you, sister's husband!"

"Where w