In a moment more the eagle would have overtaken the
raven, had not Charming aimed his arrow in time and killed the
pursuer. The raven perched on a tree near by and croaked its
gratitude:
"You have rescued me from a dreadful fate," it said. "Some day I will
repay you."
A day or two afterward, in the dusk of early morning, he heard the
distressful cries of an owl. Hunting about, he found the unfortunate
bird caught in a net which some birdcatchers had spread. "Why will men
persecute and torment harmless creatures!" exclaimed Charming, as he
set the bird free. The owl fluttered above his head, saying:
"You have saved me from the fowlers, who would have killed me. I am
not ungrateful, and some day I will repay you!" After that it flew
swiftly away.
Charming at last reached the palace of the Princess, and asked an
audience. His name so pleased her that she at once received him. He
was ushered into the presence of the Princess, who sat on a throne of
gold and ivory. Her satin dress was embroidered with jewels, and her
golden hair was confined by a crown of flowers. Soft music and perfume
filled the air, and Charming was so awed by all this splendor that at
first he could not speak.
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