The Bronze Ring (12)

The Bronze Ring (12)

" Now, young man, " said the rich stranger, " I ma going to give you a vessel which will take you back to your own country. "

And, going out, he took the bronze ring and said :
" Bronze ring, obey the master. Prepare me a ship of which the half-rotten timbers shall be painted black, let the sails be in rags, and the sailors infirm and sickly. One shall have a leg, another an arm, the third shall be a hunchback, another lame or club-footed or blind, and most of them shall be ugly and covered with scars. Go, and let my orders be executed. "

The minister's son embarked in this old vessel, and thank to favourable winds, at length reached his own country.

In spite of the pitiable condition in which he returned they received him joyfully.

" I am the first to come back, " said he to the King ; " now fulfill your promise, and gave me the princess in marriage. "

(12/22)