Now it so happened that the three Princes, in their search for their sisters, chanced to rest at an inn on one of the high-roads; and, when they had finished supper, they fell into conversation with an interesting stranger--a courtly man of cities, with manners that are only learnt in kings' palaces. He begged to be allowed to call for wine,--which in those days was no offence,--and, as they drank their toasts, he fell to narrating his wonderful exploits in a far-off kingdom--so far-off, indeed, that imagination alone could reach it, and no other traveller could ever return to tell a different tale.
After describing some heroic combats the stranger at last remarked, 'And what may be the doughty deeds that you young heroes have set to your credit?'
At this the eldest brother told how he had slain the alligator; and, to vouch for the truth of his story, showed the two ears he had preserved, placing them before the stranger.
When the unknown had applauded his story the younger brother told how he had slain the alligator with _two_ heads, and threw down on the table the four ears as evidence.
The stranger applauded more loudly than before, and then turned to the youngest brother; but he remained silent.
'Come,' said the stranger, coaxing him; 'your brothers have performed great exploits: have you not followed their example?'
Then the young Prince replied: 'I am only young; but, now I think of it, I _did_ kill an alligator once, myself. It was a rather ferocious beast in its way, and had _three_ heads; but I managed to--well, here are its ears.' And he threw the six ears on the table.
At this his two brothers were as much astonished as the stranger; for, though he was the youngest, he had done the bravest deed. The official--for such was the stranger--then begged the young Prince to tell of his other exploits. So the hero told how he had slain the giants. This was enough for the official: he sprang up and hastened away to the palace, where he informed the Tsar that he had found the mighty hero for whom every one was searching.
The Prince, looking out, saw him snatch up the Princess ... and soar rapidly away.
The Tsar was delighted; and having rewarded the official, sent for the Princes in all haste. When they arrived, he bade them tell all they had been through, and listened to their adventures with all attention. And, when they had finished, he turned to the youngest brother and said: 'Your exploits, young sir, are the most extraordinary of all I have heard. But all of you follow me to the tower; I would make certain--_quite_ certain!'