Now it may well be supposed that during her long ride so bright a maid as Sally would have tried to think of some plan that might help her once she reached her journey's end. And she had not forgotten that all she had heard and learned about the present condition of her Fairy Prince had come to her as she sat by a tree.
"Might not a tree help me again?" she asked. "Could I but make a sound, or give a sign, it surely would help me, if only the young Prince came near enough. I can think of no other way unless I hide about the house and watch my chance for a quick word."
Ah, but with others around, how long might it be ere the chance would come. And time was passing swiftly away.
A fine elm stood before the house, and Sally resolved to scramble into it and at least take a good look around. The branches grew closely, and fortunately came nearer the ground than was usual.
She watched some time before daring to climb, but at length she found a place where she could seat herself, and the great boughs made a very good screen.
Another precious hour went by; it was between five and six o'clock. Farm-hands were at work. Sally could see them in the distance.
All at once she caught her breath in the way natural to her when surprised or excited.
For there at the front door stood her Fairy Prince, but with how gloomy and clouded a face! And close beside him was a strong and stalwart man.
"His guard!" whispered Sally. "Shameful, oh, shameful!"
The two strolled out and down the path. Sally nearly choked as they paused close by the tree. In her hand she held a bit of bark, picked with a purpose.