cried he . ` Get out of the way ! ' he repeated again , as the dragon did not move . ` Get out of the way ! ' and with this last summons he drew his sword and rushed upon him . In an instant the heavens seemed to darken round him and he was surrounded by fire -- fire to right of him , fire to left of him , fire to front of him , fire to rear of him ; nothing but fire whichever way he looked , for the dragon 's seven heads were vomiting flame . The horse neighed and reared at the horrible sight , and Petru could not use the sword he had in readiness . ` Be quiet ! this wo n't do ! ' he said , dismounting hastily , but holding the bridle firmly in his left hand and grasping his sword in his right . But even so he got on no better , for he could see nothing but fire and smoke . ` There is no help for it ; I must go back and get a better horse , ' said he , and mounted again and rode homewards . At the gate of the palace his nurse , old Birscha , was waiting for him eagerly . ` Ah , Petru , my son , I knew you would have to come back , ' she cried . ` You did not set about the matter properly . ' ` How ought I to have set about it ? ' asked Petru , half angrily , half sadly . ` Look here , my boy , ' replied old Birscha . ` You can never reach the spring of the Fairy of the Dawn unless you ride the horse which your father , the emperor , rode in his youth . Go and ask where it is to be found , and then mount it and be off with you . '
Petru thanked her heartily for her advice , and went XXXXX once to make inquiries about the horse .
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