Pagina 583 de 626

But as you have not a bad heart, and as I mean well by you, there

is one thing I will grant you; if you fall into any difficulty,

come to the forest and cry: "Iron Hans," and then I will come and

help you. My power is great, greater than you think, and I have

gold and silver in abundance.'

Then the king's son left the forest, and walked by beaten and

unbeaten paths ever onwards until at length he reached a great

city. There he looked for work, but could find none, and he

learnt nothing by which he could help himself. At length he went

to the palace, and asked if they would take him in. The people

about court did not at all know what use they could make of him,

but they liked him, and told him to stay. At length the cook took

him into his service, and said he might carry wood and water, and

rake the cinders together. Once when it so happened that no one

else was at hand, the cook ordered him to carry the food to the

royal table, but as he did not like to let his golden hair be

seen, he kept his little cap on.