The Fire-Bird [antikvár]

oNCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A TSAR named Berendei, and he had three sons, the youngest of whom was called Ivan.Now the Tsar had a beautiful garden with an apple-tree in it that bore golden apples.One day the Tsar found that somebody was visiting his garden and stealing his golden apples. The Tsar was very unhappy about this. He sent watchmen into the garden, but they were unable to catch the thief.The Tsar was so grieved that he would not touch food or drink. His sons tried to cheer him."Do not grieve, Father dear," they said, "we shall keep watch over the garden ourselves."Said the eldest son: "Today it is my turn to keep watch."And he went into the garden. He walked about for a long time but saw no one, so he flung himself down on the soft grass and went to sleep.In the morning the Tsar said to him:"Come, now, have you brought me good news? Have you discovered who the thief is?""No, Father dear. That the thief was not there I am ready to swear. I did not close my eyes all night, but I saw no one."