"As many threads as there are in this veil, may as many trees arise between us."
In a twinkling, a dense forest arose, like a drop-scene, between the fugitives and the guards.
Mathias and his bride had not gone very far, when they heard again the sound of horses.
The Man with the Flashing Eyes looked round and saw again the King's body-guard galloping after them.
"Can you dodge them again?" asked Mathias.
The Princess, for an answer, dropped a tear, and then bade it swell into a deep river between them and their pursuers.
The river rolled its massy waters through the plain, while Mathias and his bride strolled away unmolested.
Again they heard the sound of horses' hoofs; again the guards were about to seize the runaways; again the Princess, drawing herself up in all the majesty of her little person, stretched out her arm threateningly, and ordered the darkness of the night to wrap them up as with a deep shroud.
At these words, The Long One grew longer and ever longer, until he reached the clouds; then, taking off his cap, he deftly clapped it on half of the sun's disc, leaving the royal guards quite in the shade.
When Mathias and his bride were about ten miles off, The Long One strode away and caught up with them after ten steps.