Page 43 - The Green Beaubird

hey took it from her, and, having
thanked her for the great service she had
rendered them, re turned to their sister and
gave her the water, exhorting her never to
impose such another task upon them, because

they had nearly met their deaths in at tempting
it. A short time after this the king again met the
two brothers and said to them: 'Why did you
not come to dine with me after accepting my
invitation?' 'Gracious majesty,' they answered
with profound respect, 'a pressing errand called
us away from home.' Then said the king, 'To-
morrow I shall expect to see you without fail.'
The youths having made their apology, the king

re turned to the palace, where he met his
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