“But now,” she said, “you have to perform a much more difficult task. Just listen. Some years ago I was playing with my ring in a boat and by accident I dropped it into the water. It was a golden ring with my initials engraved on the gold and set with a beautiful pearl. Restore this ring, and when I have it again I will comply with your request.”
The Princess thought that it would be impossible to find her ring and that she would not be bothered to accede to the wish of Chaninah. She again dismissed him with a few kind words and told him not to be disappointed if he failed to find the ring.
Chaninah at once turned his thoughts to God and prayed for Divine help. He then went to the nearest river, hoping that his good fortune would not forsake him. As soon as he came to the water he beheld the large fish which he had purchased and thrown back into the river.
“Tell me,” said the fish, “what you desire, and I will try to help you.”
Chaninah told the fish the story of the ring of the Princess, and said that he must have this ring as soon as possible.
“Meet me at yonder bridge,” said the fish, “to-morrow morning at daybreak and I will bring you news concerning the ring.”
The fish then swam away and made for the [[37]]bottom of the great sea in order to seek the help of Leviathan, the monster king of the deep.
Leviathan welcomed the fish, and having heard his story promised to help him. He issued an order throughout his vast kingdom compelling every fish to report to him if any such ring had been heard of or discovered. If he should discover that a fish had the ring and failed to produce it, very severe penalties were sure to follow. Within an hour the ring was brought to the palace of Leviathan and placed before his throne. Leviathan then gave it to the fish which had promised to help Chaninah.
Next morning at daybreak the fish delivered the ring to Chaninah, who rejoiced greatly at the cleverness of the fish. How glad he was that he had fulfilled his dear father’s wishes in being kind to birds, beasts and fish.
At noon Chaninah entered the palace and was brought at once to the Princess.