The old devil grew tired of waiting for the good news which he expected the little devils to bring him.

He waited in vain to hear of the ruin of the brothers, so he went in search of the emissaries which he had sent to perform that work for him.

After looking around for some time, and seeing nothing but the three holes in the ground, he decided that they had not succeeded in their work and that he would have to do it himself.
The old devil next went in search of the brothers, but he could learn nothing of their whereabouts.

After some time he found them in their different kingdoms, contented and happy.

This greatly incensed the old devil, and he said, "I will now have to accomplish their mission myself." He first visited Simeon the soldier, and appeared before him as a voyevoda (general), saying: "You, Simeon, are a great warrior, and I also have had considerable experience in warfare, and am desirous of serving you." Simeon questioned the disguised devil, and seeing that he was an intelligent man took him into his service.
The new General taught Simeon how to strengthen his army until it became very powerful.