But the youngest brother had not perished. By good fortune the well was dry, and he had fallen on soft moss without hurting himself, but he could not get out again.
Even in this misfortune the faithful fox did not desert him, but came springing down to him and scolded him for not following his advice.
"Still I cannot forsake thee," said he, "and I will help to show thee daylight once more."
Then he told him to seize hold of his tail and hold on tightly; and so saying, he lifted him up in the air.
"Even now thou art not out of danger," said the fox, "for [page 325] thy brothers were not certain of thy death, and have set spies to watch for thee in the forest, who will certainly kill thee if they see thee."
There was an old man sitting by the wayside with whom the young Prince changed clothes, and, thus disguised, he reached the court of the King.
No one recognized him, but the golden bird began to sing, and the golden horse commenced to eat, and the lovely maiden ceased to weep.
The King was astonished and asked: "What does this all mean?"
Then said the maiden: "I know not, but I was so sad, and now I feel light-hearted; it is as if my true husband had returned."
Then she told him all that had happened, although the other brothers had threatened to kill her if she betrayed them.