They came to the
forest where they first encountered the fox, and as it was cool and
pleasant away from the burning sun, the two brothers said:
"Let us sit and rest a little by this well, and eat and drink
something."
The young Prince consented, and while they were all talking together
he quite forgot the fox's warning, and suspected no evil.
But suddenly the two brothers threw him backwards into the well, and,
seizing the maiden, the horse, and the golden bird, they went home to
their father.
"We not only bring you the golden bird," said they, "but we have also
found the golden palace."
There was great rejoicing, but the horse would not eat, neither would
the bird sing, and the maiden only sat and wept.
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.
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