way, to the very sea. When you come to the sea you will see a large town. Ask to be allowed to stay the night in the outer-most house and look for what you want there."
"But by what signs shall I know it, grandmother?"
"When you see that which men listen to more than to father or mother, that will be the thing you want. Seize it and take it to the King. He will tell you you haven't brought the right thing, and you must say to him, If it is not the right thing then I must break it.' Then strike this thing; carry it out to the river; break it and throw it into the water. Then you will get back your wife and dry up my tears."
Emelian took leave of the grandmother and went where the ball of thread took him to. The ball rolled and rolled till it brought him to the sea, where there was a large town. Emelian knocked at a house and asked to be allowed to stay the night. The people let him in. He went to bed. In the morning he woke early and heard
