The story is told in no time, but to live a life requires time and patience.  The brothers of Ivanoushka the Simpleton were clever men, we know, and as soon as they became rich every one understood it at once, and they themselves became quite sure about it and began to pride themselves, to boast, and to brag.  The humble ones did not dare look toward their homes, and even the boyars had to take off their fur caps on their porches.

Once several boyars came to Tsar Pea and said:  “Great Tsar, the brothers of thy son-in-law are bragging around that they know the place where grows an apple tree with silver leaves and golden apples, and they want to bring this apple tree to thee.”

The Tsar immediately called the brothers before him and bade them bring at once the wonderful tree, the apple tree with silver leaves and golden apples.  The brothers had ever so many excuses, but the Tsar would have his way.  They were given fine horses out of the royal stables and went on their errand.  Our friend, Ivanoushka the Simpleton, found somewhere a lame old horse, jumped on his back facing the tail, and also went.  He went to the wide field, grasped the lame horse by the tail, threw him off roughly, and shouted: 

“You crows and magpies, come, come!  There is lunch prepared for you.”

This done he ordered his horse, his spirited courser, to appear, and as usual he crawled into one ear, jumped out the other ear and they went—­where?  Toward the east where grew the wonderful apple tree with silver leaves and golden apples.  It grew near silver waters upon golden sand.  When Ivanoushka reached the place he uprooted the tree and turned toward home.  His ride was long and he felt tired.  Before he arrived at his town Ivanoushka pitched his tent and lay down for a rest.  Along the same road came his brothers.  The two were proud no more, but rather depressed, not knowing what answer to give the Tsar.  They perceived the tent with silver top and near by the wonderful apple tree.  They came nearer and—­“There is our Simpleton!” exclaimed the brothers.  Then they awakened Ivanoushka and wanted to buy the apple tree.  They were rich and offered three carts filled with silver.

“Well, brothers, this tree, this wonderful apple tree, is not for sale,” answered Ivanoushka, “but if you wish to obtain it you may.  The price will not be too high, a toe from each right foot.”

The brothers thought the matter over and finally decided to give the desired price.  Ivanoushka cut the toes off, gave them the apple tree, and the happy brothers brought it to the Tsar and there was no end to their bragging.

“Here, all-powerful Tsar,” they said.  “We went far, and had many a trouble on our way, but thy wish is fulfilled.”

The Tsar Pea seemed pleased, ordered a feast, commanded tunes to be played and drums beaten, rewarded the two brothers of Ivanoushka the Simpleton, each one with a town, and praised them.