DANISH FAIRY AND FOLK TALES
The king at once consented, so the three young people entered a carriage and drove away to the home of the prince, who was much pleased with the outcome of his mission.
When they passed the forest where the old hermit lived, they alighted to pay him a visit. As they approached he was standing outside his door, engaged in measuring the distance to the sun with a long pole. Seeing the prince and his two fair companions, he nodded at them, and asked the young man which of the girls was his betrothed. The prince pointed to the youngest, whereupon the philosopher turned to her sister and asked if she was the woman whom the prince had promised to bring him.
"She is to be married to my brother," answered the prince, as the girl was too much afraid to make any reply.
"So this is the manner in which a prince keeps his word!" cried the old man. "If you do not allow me to keep this girl, you will regret it."
"I saw no woman who would be a fit wife for you," returned the prince. "This one is too young."
"You have broken your word!" shouted the wise man; "but I will punish you." Drawing a small staff from his belt, he touched the youngest princess and the prince, converting them into stones with a human shape, but cold and dead. Upon this he seized the other princess by the hand and led her into his house, where he forced her to cook, and
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