“Here, Master,” he said, “here is the acorn. Take it and throw it upon the floor.”
The Prince threw the acorn upon the floor, and at once it flew open, and there stood the Princess before him.
Hardly had this happened when the door opened and the Magician came into the room. When he saw the Princess he gave a cry of rage, and one of the iron bands about his middle broke with a loud noise.
He looked at the Prince, and his eyes flashed as if with red fire. “This time you have succeeded in keeping the Princess with you,” he cried, “but do not be too sure that you can do the same thing again. To-night you shall try once more.”
So saying he went away, taking the Princess with him. In the evening he came again, and again he brought the Princess.
“Watch her well,” said he to the Prince, with an evil smile. “Remember, if she is not still here to-morrow morning you will share the fate of the others who have tried to watch her and have failed.”
“Very well,” answered the Prince. “What must be must be, and I can only do my best.”
The Magician then went away, leaving the Princess with them as before.
The Prince and his companions had determined that this night they would stay awake, whatever happened, but presently their eyelids grew as heavy as lead, and soon, in spite of themselves, they all fell into a deep sleep.
When they awoke the day was breaking, and the Princess had again disappeared. The Prince was ready to tear his hair with despair, but Sharpsight bade him take heart.