The Prince came to himself and was astonished at his forgetfulness. [[164]]
“Why, how came I to forget such an important errand?” he said. “What shall I do? I can never get home in time, much less find a dog.” And he began to be very much vexed and distressed.
But the White Cat comforted him, saying, “King’s Son, do not vex yourself; I am your friend. You can stay here another day, for the good wooden horse will take you to your country in less than twelve hours.”
“I thank you, beautiful White Cat,” said the Prince; “but it is not enough that I return to my father; I must take him a little dog.”
“Look,” said the White Cat; “here is an acorn in which is a little dog prettier even than the one in the dog star.”
“O Madam Cat,” said the Prince, “you are making fun of me.”
“Put the acorn to your ear,” said she.
He obeyed and heard a little sound inside, “Bow-wow!” The Prince was delighted, for a dog that could be shut up in an acorn must be very tiny. He was so eager to see [[165]]it that he wanted to open the acorn, but the White Cat told him it might be cold on the journey, and it would therefore be better to wait until he was in his father’s presence. He thanked her a thousand times, and said good-by very sadly when he started out.
“The days with you have passed so quickly,” he said, “I only wish I could take you along with me.”
But at this proposal the White Cat only sighed deeply.