72
FAIRY BOOK.
bring back Moneta and the child,—would you give me your chests of gold?"
"That I will," cried the man, "right joyfully."
"Not so fast: will you give me your castle as well?"
"Ah, yes, castle and gold; take them, and welcome."
"Not so fast: Moneta and her child are worth more than, these. Will you give me the castle and gold, and ten years of your life?"
"With all my heart."
"Then," said the kelpie "go home, and to-morrow you shall see Moneta and her child."
When the morrow came, the husband and wife wept for joy at meeting once more; and Ivan said,—
"Can you forgive me, dearest Moneta?"
