THE NORKA ONCE upon a time there lived a King and Queen . They had three sons , two of them with their wits about them , but the third a simpleton . Now the King had a deer park in which were quantities of wild animals of different kinds . Into that park there used to come a huge beast -- Norka was its name -- and do fearful mischief , devouring some of the animals every night . The King did all he could , but he was unable to destroy it . So at last he called his sons together and said , ` Whoever will destroy the Norka , to him will I give the half of my kingdom . ' Well , the eldest son undertook the task . As soon as it was night , he took his weapons and set out . But before he reached the park , he went into a traktir -LRB- or tavern -RRB- , and there he spent the whole night in revelry . When he came to his senses it was too late ; the day had already dawned . He felt himself disgraced in the eyes of his father , but there was no help for it . The next day the second son went , and did just the same . Their father scolded them both soundly , and there was an end of it . Well , on the third day the youngest son undertook the task . They all laughed him to scorn , because he was so stupid , feeling sure he would n't do anything . But he took his arms , and went straight into the park , and sat down on the grass in such a position that the moment he went asleep his weapons would prick him , and he would awake . Presently the midnight hour sounded . The earth began to shake , and the Norka came rushing up , and burst right through the fence into the park , so huge was it . The Prince pulled himself together , leapt to his feet , crossed himself , and went straight at the beast . It fled back , and the Prince ran after it .
But he soon saw XXXXX he could n't catch it on foot , so he hastened to the stable , laid his hands on the best horse there , and set off in pursuit .
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