"Prince Hans, our rightful king," cried the princess. "I here declare in the presence of all men that I am already married to this brave knight!"
Tumultuous cheering ensued this speech of the little princess, and shouts of "Long live King Hans and Queen Bertha" followed them until they arrived at the palace of the arch-priest. Hans knocked at the door. The servant who opened it started back in surprise and horror at the half-naked and bleeding figure of the visitor.
"What do you want?" he asked, rudely, as yet not noticing the princess.
"I want the arch-priest. Who else did you think I wanted," responded Hans, equally roughly.
"The arch-priest is not at home to everyone," said the menial, haughtily. "What's your business?"
"Come, let us in immediately, and don't stand prating there. I am the Princess Bertha," said the dwarf princess.
"I crave your Royal Highness's pardon," said the servant, bowing low. "I did not observe you," and he allowed our pair to enter without further opposition.
"What is all this?" exclaimed the arch-priest who came to meet them. "My little princess, with her champion naked and bleeding!"
"Holy father," said the princess, "we wish to be crowned to-morrow. See that preparations are made for the occasion."
The arch-priest bowed to the ground.