The Devil with the three Golden Hairs (18 完)

The Devil with the three Golden Hairs (18 完)

Without waiting for his guards ー perhaps he feared they make off with the treasure themselves ー the greedy king set off on his own.

He went north as fast as his horse could carry him.

When he came to the river, he called for the ferryman row him across.

The ferryman came to the near shore, helped the king in, set the oar in the king's hand, and leaped from the boat.

He got on the king's horse and off he rode.

From that day on, the king had to ferry back and forth, forth and back ー a just punishment for his wrongdoings.

As for the boy, he took the four donkeys loaded with gold to the miller and his wife so that they ー his adopted parents ー might share in his new-found wealth, for he was as generous as he was lucky.

Then he ruled the kingdom with his lovely queen by his side, and brought all of his people ー high born and low ー good fortune indeed.

(18/18 完)