"One good turn deserves another. You helped us, and we have come to help you."
It was no trouble for them to fly into the orchard high above the dragon's head; and almost before Hans knew they were gone they were back again bringing with them the golden apple that the king desired.
He was astonished when Hans took it to him. He could scarcely believe his eyes; but he would not let Hans go.
Instead he took a ring from his finger and threw it to the very bottom of the sea.
"Go and fetch me that ring," he said, "and you shall be free as the birds and the bees; but until it is upon my finger again you shall not pass through my kingdom."
Poor Hans! He sat down on the seashore and cried—the tears rolled down his cheeks I do assure you—for he said to himself:
"Who can do a task like this? I must either drown or stay here all the days of my life. I shall never see my mother or the good king, my master, again."
ONE OF THEM TOOK IT IN HIS MOUTH, AND SO BROUGHT IT SAFELY TO HANS.