One day he went with the hunters to the forest,
and while pursuing a wild boar, became separated from them. He got
farther and farther away from his companions, and at last found
himself alone in a dark part of the wood where he never before had
been. Not knowing in which direction his path lay, he called again and
again to the hunters. At last a hoarse voice answered him, and from
the hollow trunk of a lime-tree appeared a hideous man with green eyes
and terrible teeth.
"I've waited for you a long time, Prince Milan," said he.
"Who on earth may you be?" asked the Prince.
"Your father will tell you who I am. Just give my greetings to his
Majesty, and tell him that I am ready to claim the debt he owes me."
The green-eyed man then disappeared into the hollow tree from which he
came; and when the Prince reached home, he related his experience to
his father. The King turned white, and cried:
"At last, it has come!" Then he explained to the Prince what had
occurred at the well, and added, "Now my happiness is at an end, for
you, my son, will be taken from me."
The Prince told the King not to despair, for though he might go
away, he was certain to return to him. His father provided him with a
handsome horse with golden stirrups, and the Queen gave him a cross to
wear about his neck.
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