Ivan’s prize is stolen. Much time ran by.  One day Danilo and Gavrilo, drunk as could be, stumbled into the barn.  What did they see? Ivan’s prize.  Two beautiful black horses with manes of gold and a toy-sized hunchbacked horse.  The two wonders had eyes of rubies, tails woven with golden rings, and diamond hooves covered with pearls.  “Let’s sell them in the capital,” said Danilo.  “We’ll split the money, drink, and carouse.  Let the blessed fool search for his horses.”

So the brothers secretly took the two beautiful horses and left for the capital.  That night Ivan returned to his barn to sleep.  Everything stood as before, but the horses were not there.  Only the toy humpbacked horse greeted him with a dance.  How Ivan did howl: “Oi, you horses, golden-maned! Did I, friends, not pet you? Or has some devil stolen you?”

The little horse neighed to him.  “Don’t grieve, Ivan,” it said.  “It is a great calamity, indeed, but I can help.  Your brothers took the horses. Quickly: Sit on me and hold on tightly.” Ivan sat on the little horse and took flight like an arrow.  In two moments, if not one, our dear Ivan had caught up with the robbers.  “It is a shame to steal!” Ivan shouted. “Although you are smarter than Ivan, Ivan is more honest than you.”

“Dear brother,” Danilo said, “we admit the act was ours! But consider that no matter how much wheat we sow, we barely have enough bread.  The old man is sick and can’t work.  We decided to sell your horses for at least a thousand rubles and, as thanks, buy you a new red hat.”

“Then, let us hurry,” said Ivan. “Sell the horses.  But take me with you.”  The brothers began to protest – but then agreed.  So they went on until the sky darkened and they stopped for the night.

Danilo noticed a fire in the distance.  He glanced at Gavrilo and quietly pointed out the fire. “If only we could kindle a fire,” said Danilo aloud.  “Run over there, Ivan!” Danilo thought to himself. “That’s a Cossack village: I hope they crush you!”

All is simple for a fool.  Ivan sat on the little horse and at once he was in front of the fire.  A miraculous light flowed around.  It didn’t warm or smoke.  “This is something to marvel at!” the little horse said.  “Here lies the feather of a firebird, but don’t take it.  Much trouble it brings.”