Atondido Stories
seven blind Queens, who by his help lived on in their dungeon
when all the world thought they had starved to death ages be-
fore.
At last, when he was quite a big lad, he one day took his bow
and arrow, and went out to seek for game. Coming by chance
past the palace where the white hind lived in wicked splendour
and magnificence, he saw some pigeons fluttering round the
white marble turrets, and, taking good aim, shot one dead. It
came tumbling past the very window where the white Queen
was sitting; she rose to see what was the matter, and looked out.
At the first glance of the handsome young lad standing there
bow in hand, she knew by witchcraft that it was the King's son.
She nearly died of envy and spite, determining to destroy the lad
without delay; therefore, sending a servant to bring him to her
presence, she asked him if he would sell her the pigeon he had
just shot.
"No," replied the sturdy lad, "the pigeon is for my seven
blind mothers, who live in the noisome dungeon, and who
would die if I did not bring them food."
"Poor souls!" cried the cunning white witch; "would you not
like to bring them their eyes again? Give me the pigeon, my
dear, and I faithfully promise to show you where to find them."
Hearing this, the lad was delighted beyond measure, and
gave up the pigeon at once. Whereupon the white Queen told
him to seek her mother without delay, and ask for the eyes
which she wore as a necklace.
"She will not fail to give them," said the cruel Queen, "if you
show her this token on which I have written what I want done."
So saying, she gave the lad a piece of broken potsherd, with
these words inscribed on it—"Kill the bearer at once, and sprin-
kle his blood like water!"
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