rious, and ordered his guards to follow them and bring
them back under pain of death. Meanwhile Matthias, the princess, and
the three comrades had already travelled a distance of some miles.
When she heard the steps of the pursuers she begged the Man with Eyes
of Flame to see who they were. Having turned to look, he told her that
a large army of men on horseback were advancing at a gallop.

"They are my father's guards," said she, "we shall have some
difficulty in escaping them."

Then, seeing the horsemen draw nearer she took the veil from her face,
and throwing it behind her in the direction of the wind, said, "I
command as many trees to spring up as there are threads in this veil."

Instantly, in the twinkling of an eye, a high thick forest rose up
between them. Before the soldiers had time to clear for themselves a
pathway through this dense mass, Matthias and his party had been able
to get far ahead, and even to take a little rest.

"Look," said the princess, "and see if they are still coming after
us."

The Man with Eyes of Flame looked back, and replied that the king's
guards were out of the forest and coming towards them with all speed.

"They will not be able to reach us," cried she. And she let fall a
tear from her eyes, saying as she did so, "Tear, become a river."

At the same moment a wide river flowed between them and their
pursuers, and before the latter had found means of crossing it,
Matthias and his party were far on in front.

"Man with Eyes of Flame," said the princess, "look behind and tell me
how closely we are followed."

"They are quite near to us again," he replied, "they are almost upon
our heels."

"Darkness, cover them," said she.

At these words Tall drew himself up. He stretched and stretched and
stretched until he reached the clouds, and there, with his hat he half
covered the face of the sun. The side towards the soldiers was black
as night, while Matthias and his party, lit up by the shining half,
went a good way without hindrance.

When they had travelled some distance, Tall uncovered the sun, and
soon joined his companions by taking a mile at each step. They were
already in sight of Matthias' home, when they noticed that the royal
guards were again following them closely.

"Now it is my turn," said Broad; "go on your way in safety, I will
remain here. I shall be ready for them."

He quietly awaited their arrival, standing motionless, with his large
mouth open from ear