it but to lie down just where he was. When the Giant came across
him, he stood still and looked at the Prince for a little; then he
took him up in his arms and carried him home to his house, and was
exceedingly kind to him. He gave him to his wife, saying he had found
this child in the wood, and she could have it to help her in the
house. The old woman was greatly pleased, and began to fondle the
Prince with the utmost delight. He stayed there with them, and was
very willing and obedient to them in everything, while they grew
kinder to him every day.

One day the Giant took him round and showed him all his rooms except
the parlour; this made the Prince curious to have a look into it,
thinking there must be some very rare treasure there. So one day, when
the Giant had gone into the forest, he tried to get into the parlour,
and managed to get the door open half-way. Then he saw that some
living creature moved inside and ran along the floor towards him and
said something, which made him so frightened that he sprang back from
the door and shut it again. As soon as the fright began to pass off he
tried it again, for he thought it would be interesting to hear what it
said; but things went just as before with him. He then got angry with
himself, and, summoning up all his courage, tried it a third time, and
opened the door of the room and stood firm. Then he saw that it was a
big Dog, which spoke to him and said:

'Choose me, Prince Ring.'

The Prince went away rather afraid, thinking with himself that it was
no great treasure after all; but all the same what it had said to him
stuck in his mind.

It is not said how long the Prince stayed with the Giant, but one day
the latter came to him and said he would now take him over to the
mainland out of the island, for he himself had no long time to live.
He also thanked him for his good service, and told him to choose some
one of his possessions, for he would get whatever he wanted. Ring
thanked him heartily, and said there was no need to pay him for his
services, they were so little worth; but if he did wish to give him
anything he would choose what was in the parlour. The Giant was taken
by surprise, and said:

'There, you chose my old woman's right hand; but I must not break my
word.'

Upon this he went to get the Dog, which came running with signs of
great delight; but the Prince was so much afraid of it that it was all
he could do to keep from showing his alarm.

Afte