He thought he must
be near some woodcutter's cottage, but what was his surprise when he
found himself before the gateway of a splendid castle!
At first he hesitated about entering, for his garments were travel
stained, and he was drenched with rain, so that no one could have
possibly taken him for a Prince. All the beautiful little dogs he had
taken so much trouble to collect had been lost in the forest, and he
was thoroughly weary and disheartened.
However, something seemed to bid him enter the castle, so he pulled
the bell. Immediately the gateway flew open, and a number of beautiful
white hands appeared, and beckoned to him to cross the courtyard and
enter the great hall.
Here he found a splendid fire blazing, beside which stood a
comfortable arm-chair; the hands pointed invitingly towards it, and as
soon as the Prince had seated himself they proceeded to take off his
wet, muddy clothes, and dress him in a magnificent suit of silk and
velvet.
When he was ready, the hands led him into a brilliantly-lighted room,
in which was a table spread for supper. At the end of the room was a
raised platform, upon which a number of cats were seated, all playing
different musical instruments.
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