She blushed and held out her hand , saying to him in a soft voice : ' I thank you , noble Prince , for having granted my request . I am the youngest daughter of Kostieï the immortal , who has twelve daughters and rules over the kingdoms under the earth . Long time my father has waited for you , and great is his anger . But trouble not yourself and fear nothing , only do as I bid you . When you see the King Kostieï , fall straightway upon your knees and heed neither his threats nor his cry , but draw near to him boldly . That which will happen after , you will know in time . Now let us go . ' At these words she struck the ground with her foot and a gulf opened , down which they went right into the heart of the earth . In a short time they reached Kostieï 's palace , which gives light , with a light brighter than the sun , to the dark kingdoms below . And the prince , as he had been bidden , entered boldly into the hall . Kostieï , with a shining crown upon his head , sat in the centre upon a golden throne . His green eyes glittered like glass , his hands were as the claws of a crab . When he caught sight of the prince he uttered piercing yells , which shook the walls of the palace . The prince took no notice , but continued his advance on his knees towards the throne . When he had almost reached it , the king broke out into a laugh and said : ` It has been very lucky for you that you have been able to make me laugh . Stay with us in our underground empire , only first you will have to do three things . To-night it is late . Go to sleep ; to-morrow I will tell you . ' Early the following morning the prince received a message that Kostieï was ready to see him . He got up and dressed , and hastened to the presence chamber , where the little king was seated on his throne .
When the prince appeared , bowing low before him , Kostieï began : ` Now , XXXXX , this is what you have to do .
Kostieï Prince centre crab crown first heart notice right sight