both sides the waves were rising, and there was no end to the waters. He asked himself in surprise, "How did I come here? Who brought me hither?" He went along the bank and came to an island. There he saw a very high and steep mountain. Its top reached the clouds. Upon it there was a large stone. He approached the mountain and saw at its foot three men fighting. They were the sons of a malicious magician. "What is the matter?" asked the soldier. "What are you fighting for?" "You see," answered they, "our father died and left us three wonderful things: a flying carpet, seven-league boots, and an invisible cap. But we cannot divide them peaceably." "O you silly magicians! Stop your fighting! If you wish, I will divide the things between you so that everyone shall be satisfied." The magicians consented. "Now," said the soldier, "do you see that large stone upon the mountain top? Climb up to it, push it down the mountain, and run after it; whoever shall reach the stone first, shall choose among the three wonders; the second one, between the two wonders; and the third shall take that which shall be left." The magicians climbed up, pushed the stone, and ran after it. It was rolling down very quickly. One reached it, seized upon it - the stone turned over, fell upon him and killed him. The same happened to the other two magicians.The soldier took the seven-league boots, the invisible cap, sat down upon the flying carpet and went to look for his kingdom. After some time he came to a hut; and entered. An old fairy lived there. 
"Good morning, grandmother! Tell me how to find my dear little princess."
"I do not know, my dear! I have never seen her, nor heard of her. Go to the other side of the ocean. There lives my older sister. She knows more than I do; perhaps she will tell you."
The soldier flew upon his carpet to the older fairy. The journey was very long. When he felt hungry or thirsty, he had only to put on his invisible cap, go to the shops, and there he had everything he wished. At last he came to the older fairy.
"Good morning, grandmother. Can't you tell me how to find my beautiful princess?"
"No, dear! I can't tell you. But you cross many oceans and many lands until you reach the end of the world. There lives my oldest sister; perhaps she knows about the princess."
The soldier felt very much discouraged, but he was anxious to find his wife. He went then to look for the oldest fairy. He traveled for a very, very long time over many seas and many lands until he came to the end of the world. A single hut was standing, and beyond it nothing could be seen but thick darkness. 
"Well," thought the soldier sadly, "if I don't find out anything here, I can fly no further."
He went into the hut. There he saw an old, old fairy. Her teeth had fallen out, her hair 

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