the crew quickly obeyed this advice and as soon as the vessel entered the harbor the pirate boats passed by and the merchants saw them capture several unprepared vessels. when the danger was over, the sailors with ivan went farther, still farther. finally the vessel anchored near a town, large and unknown to the merchants. a king ruled in that town who was very much annoyed by three black crows. these three crows were all the time perching near the window of the king's chamber. no one knew how to get rid of them and no one could kill them. the king ordered notices to be placed at all crossings and on all prominent buildings, saying that whoever was able to relieve the king from the noisy birds would be rewarded by obtaining the youngest korolevna, the king's daughter, for a wife; but the one who should have the daring to undertake but not succeed in delivering the palace from the crows would have his head cut off. ivan attentively read the announcement, once, twice, and once more. finally he made the sign of the cross and went to the palace. he said to the servants: