"You must do as I now tell you," replied the wild man. "Go to the queen, your mother, and ask her to comb your hair. Be on the watch, and steal the keys from her belt, then come and open the door. You can afterwards put back the keys in the same manner, and no one will be the wiser." Soon, the wild man succeeded in persuading the boy, who stole the keys from his mother, ran down to the cage, and let the wild man come out. At parting, the wild man said: "Here is thy gold apple, as I promised, and you have my thanks for allowing me to escape. Some time, when you are in trouble, I will help you in return." He then ran off.
When it was known in the royal palace that the wild man had fled, there was a great commotion; the queen sent people on the roads and ways to track him; but he was away and continued away. Thus some time passed, and the queen was more and more troubled, for she was in daily expectation of her husband's return. At last she saw his ships come dancing on the waves, and a multitude of people were assembled on the shore to bid him welcome.
On landing, his first inquiry was, whether they had taken good care of the wild man; when the queen had to confess what had happened. At this news the king was greatly angered, and declared he would punish the guilty one, whoever he might be. He then caused a search to be made throughout the palace and every man's child was called forth to bear witness; but no one knew anything.
At last the little prince came forward. On appearing before his father he said: "I know that I have made you angry; but I cannot hide the truth, for it was I who let the wild man escape." On hearing this the queen grew deadly pale, and every other with her; for the little prince was the favorite of all. At length the king spoke: "Never shall it be said of me that I broke my vow, even for my own flesh and blood; and you shall surely die as you deserve." Thereupon he gave orders to his men to convey the young prince to the forest, and there slay him; but to bring his heart back, as a proof that his order had been carried out. |
