By Andrew Lang
ReadOasis Step 2
(Part 1)
There was once a trader who lived close to the royal palace. His wife had died, but he had three daughters. Maria, the youngest daughter, was the prettiest of the three. One day the king sent a message to the trader. He wanted the trader to go on a journey. The trader didn?t want to go, because he did not like leaving his daughters at home. But he could not disobey the king?s commands. He sadly returned home to say farewell to his daughters. Before he lef...