At last they got there, but as the Prince was going to take the horse the fox said:
"When you come into the stable you will find all sorts of bridles hanging on the wall, both of gold and silver; you must not touch them, for then the troll will come and kill you; you must take the ugliest and shabbiest you see."
Yes, the Prince promised he would; but when he came into the stable he thought it was quite unreasonable not to take a fine bridle, for there were plenty of them, and so he took the brightest he could find. It was as bright as gold, but just then the troll came and was so angry that sparks flew from him.
"Who is that stealing my horse and my bridle?" he shrieked.
"Thieves believe that all men steal," said the Prince; "but only those get hanged who do not steal properly," said he.
"Well, that makes no difference. I'll kill you on the spot," shouted the troll.
But the Prince begged him to spare his life.
"Well," said the troll, "if you can bring me back the fair damsel which my nearest neighbor has taken from me I will spare you."
"Whereabouts does he live, then?" asked the Prince.