flames of a volcano. Then,
with one last effort to free herself, her hands gave way, and, falling
down to the bottom of the tower, she was broken in pieces.

When the flying princess saw what had happened she rode back to the
spot, as Sunlight counselled her, and placed her finger on the top of
the tower, which was gradually shrinking into the earth. In an instant
the tower had vanished as if it had never been, and in its place was the
finger of the princess with a ring round it.

The emperor received Iliane with all the respect that was due to her,
and fell in love at first sight besides.

But this did not seem to please Iliane, whose face was sad as she walked
about the palace or gardens, wondering how it was that, while other
girls did as they liked, she was always in the power of someone whom she
hated.

So when the emperor asked her to share his throne Iliane answered:

'Noble Sovereign, I may not think of marriage till my stud of horses has
been brought me, with their trappings all complete.'

When he heard this, the emperor once more sent for Fet-Fruners, and
said:

'Fet-Fruners, fetch me instantly the stud of mares, with their trappings
all complete. If not, your head shall pay the forfeit.'

'Mighty Emperor, I kiss your hands! I have but just returned from doing
your bidding, and, behold, you send me on another mission, and stake my
head on its fulfilment, when your court is full of valiant young men,
pining to win their spurs. They say you are a just man; then why not
entrust this quest to one of them? Where am I to seek these mares that I
am to bring you?'

'How do I know? They may be anywhere in heaven or earth; but, wherever
they are, you will have to find them.'

The princess bowed and went to consult Sunlight. He listened while she
told her tale, and then said:

'Fetch quickly nine buffalo skins; smear them well with tar, and lay
them on my back. Do not fear; you will succeed in this also; but, in the
end, the emperor's desires will be his undoing.'

The buffalo skins were soon got, and the princess started off with
Sunlight. The way was long and difficult, but at length they reached the
place where the mares were grazing. Here the genius who had carried off
Iliane was wandering about, trying to discover how to capture them, all
the while believing that Iliane was safe in the palace where he had left
her.

As soon as she caught sight of him, the princess went up and told
him that Iliane h