k him
straight up to the king, and announced for the first time that here
was the sentinel who had stood guard in the church over-night. The king
immediately got out of bed, and laid the hundred dollars for him on the
table, and then wanted to question him. 'Have you seen anything?' said
he. 'Have you seen my daughter?' 'I have stood at my post,' said the
young smith, 'and that is quite enough; I undertook nothing more.'
He was not sure whether he dared tell what he had seen and heard, and
besides he was also a little conceited because he had done what no other
man had been able to do, or had had courage for. The king professed to
be quite satisfied, and asked him whether he would engage himself
to stand on guard again the following night. 'No, thank you,' said
Christian, 'I will have no more of that!'

'As you please,' said the king, 'you have behaved like a brave fellow,
and now you shall have your breakfast. You must be needing something to
strengthen you after that turn.'

The king had breakfast laid for him, and sat down at the table with him
in person; he kept constantly filling his glass for him and praising
him, and drinking his health. Christian needed no pressing, but did full
justice both to the food and drink, and not least to the latter. Finally
he grew bold, and said that if the king would give him two hundred
dollars for it, he was his man to stand sentry next night as well.

When this was arranged, Christian bade him 'Good-day,' and went down
among the guards, and then out into the town along with other soldiers
and under-officers. He had his pocket full of money, and treated them,
and drank with them and boasted and made game of the good-for-nothings
who were afraid to stand on guard, because they were frightened that the
dead princess would eat them. See whether she had eaten him! So the day
passed in mirth and glee, but when eight o'clock came, Christian was
again shut up in the church, all alone.

Before he had been there two hours, he got tired of it, and thought only
of getting away. He found a little door behind the altar which was not
locked, and at ten o'clock he slipped out at it, and took to his heels
and made for the beach. He had got half-way thither, when all at once
the same little man stood in front of him and said, 'Good evening,
Christian, where are you going?' 'I've leave to go where I please,'
said the smith, but at the same time he noticed that he could not move a
foot. 'No, you