Atondido Stories
"Do not be afraid," answered Katar. "You will find service,
and I will always stay here to help you when you want me. So
go, only before you go, twist my right ear." The boy did so, and
his horse instantly became a donkey. "Now twist your right ear,"
said Katar. And when the boy had twisted it, he was no longer a
handsome prince, but a poor, common- looking, ugly man; and
his moon and star were hidden.
Then he went away further into the country, until he came to
a grain merchant of the country, who asked him who he was. "I
am a poor man," answered the boy, "and I want service." "Good,"
said the grain merchant, "you shall be my servant."
Now the grain merchant lived near the King's palace, and
one night at twelve o'clock the boy was very hot; so he went out
into the King's cool garden, and began to sing a lovely song. The
seventh and youngest daughter of the King heard him, and she
wondered who it was who could sing so deliciously. Then she
put on her clothes, rolled up her hair, and came down to where
the seemingly poor common man was lying singing. "Who are
you? where do you come from?" she asked. But he answered
nothing.
"Who is this man who does not answer when I speak to
him?" thought the little princess, and she went away. On the sec-
ond night the same thing happened, and on the third night too.
But on the third night, when she found she could not make him
answer her, she said to him, "What a strange man you are not to
answer me when I speak to you." But still he remained silent, so
she went away.
The next day, when he had finished his work, the young
prince went to the jungle to see his horse, who asked him, "Are
you quite well and happy?" "Yes, I am," answered the boy. "I am
servant to a grain merchant. The last three nights I have gone
501