All that could be done the old witch did ; but the fire that poured from her mouth never reached the fugitives , though it laid waste the country a hundred miles round the tower , like the flames of a volcano . Then , with one last effort to free herself , her hands gave way , and , falling down to the bottom of the tower , she was broken in pieces . When the flying princess saw what had happened she rode back to the spot , as Sunlight counselled her , and placed her finger on the top of the tower , which was gradually shrinking into the earth . In an instant the tower had vanished as if it had never been , and in its place was the finger of the princess with a ring round it . The emperor received Iliane with all the respect that was due to her , and fell in love at first sight besides . But this did not seem to please Iliane , whose face was sad as she walked about the palace or gardens , wondering how it was that , while other girls did as they liked , she was always in the power of someone whom she hated . So when the emperor asked her to share his throne Iliane answered : ` Noble Sovereign , I may not think of marriage till my stud of horses has been brought me , with their trappings all complete . ' When he heard this , the emperor once more sent for Fet-Fruners , and said : ` Fet-Fruners , fetch me instantly the stud of mares , with their trappings all complete . If not , your head shall pay the forfeit . ' ` Mighty Emperor , I kiss your hands ! I have but just returned from doing your bidding , and , behold , you send me on another mission , and stake my head on its fulfilment , when your court is full of valiant young men , pining to win their spurs . They say you are a just man ; then why not entrust this quest to one of them ? Where am I to seek these mares that I am to bring you ? ' ` How do I know ? They may be anywhere in heaven or earth ; but , wherever they are , you will have to find them . ' The princess bowed and went to consult Sunlight . He listened while she told her tale , and then said : ` Fetch quickly nine buffalo skins ; smear them well with tar , and lay them on my back . Do not fear ; you will succeed in this also ; but , in the end , the emperor 's desires will be his undoing . ' The buffalo skins were soon got , and the princess started off with Sunlight . The way was long and difficult , but at length they reached the place where the mares were grazing .
Here the genius who had carried off Iliane was wandering about , trying to discover how to capture them , all the while believing XXXXX Iliane was safe in the palace where he had left her .
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