“Little fish, if friend indeed,
Help me in my time of need.”
Immediately the little fish stuck its head up from a stream near by. “What can I do to help you, brother?” it asked.
“Can you tell me where the black mare has gone?” asked the prince.
“Yes; she has changed herself into a fish and is hiding down in the stream with us. But do not trouble yourself about that. Just strike the halter upon the ground and call out, ‘Black mare, black mare, come out from among the fishes for it is time to go home.’”
The prince did as the fish bade him and as soon as the black mare down in the stream heard those words it was obliged to come out and take its natural shape again. The prince then mounted upon it and rode it home.
When they reached the stable the old gray woman was on the watch, and she could scarcely hide her rage and disappointment at finding the serving lad had managed to bring the black mare home. However, she bade him go to the kitchen and get his supper, and she followed the black mare to the stall. “You fool,” she cried, and she was ready to beat it in her rage, “why did you not hide among the fishes as I bade you?”
“Mistress, I did,” answered the mare, “but the fishes are friends of the lad, and told him where I was, so I was obliged to come forth.”
“To-morrow, change yourself into a fox and hide among the pack. There he will certainly be unable to find you.”
After that she went into the kitchen where the lad was eating his supper.