"Well—well?" cried Prince Erian.
"And in that acorn is the Princess."
"Then all is lost!" exclaimed the young Prince. "To travel four hundred leagues and return by noon is an impossibility."
"Do not give up all hope, my master," said Long. "Wait a little while."
Keen Eyes got on Long's shoulders, and Long stretched himself out so that with a few leaps he was in the forest and then at the tree. Keen Eyes took possession of the precious acorn. Long drew his great length together, and in a moment they had returned.
Prince Erian took the acorn, broke it open, and out stepped the Princess, more beautiful and more resplendent than ever.
All this time, Magor, the King of the Sorcerers, was laughing to himself and enjoying the neat trick he had played on the young Prince and his companions. At precisely twelve o'clock he presented himself at the door of the hall, and cried out:
"Ah, well! faithful guardian! Can you show me the beautiful Princess?"
"Most certainly," replied Prince Erian. "Behold her here!"
A cry of rage broke from the Magician. A band of iron broke from his body and fell at his feet.