ch the water was pouring.
When she saw the prince with his galail in his hand, she called out:

'Oh, wretched one! why must you choose an old woman like me to play
your pranks upon? Where am I to get a fresh pitcher instead of this
one that you have broken with your foolish tricks? And how am I to go
so far for water twice when one journey wearies me?'

[Illustration: THE UNLUCKY SHOT]

'But, mother,' replied the prince, 'I played no trick upon you! I did
but shoot at a pigeon that should have served me for dinner, and as my
pellet missed it, it must have broken your pitcher. But, in exchange,
you shall have my brass pot, and that will not break easily; and as
for getting water, tell me where to find it, and I'll fetch it while
you dry your garments in the sun, and carry it whither you will.'

At this the old woman's face brightened. She showed him where to seek
the water, and when he returned a few minutes later with his pot
filled to the brim, she led the way without a word, and he followed.
In a short while they came to a hut in the forest, and as they drew
near it Ameer Ali beheld in the doorway the loveliest damsel his eyes
had ever looked on. At the sight of a stranger she drew her veil about
her and stepped into the hut, and much as he wished to see her again
Ameer Ali could think of no excuse by which to bring her back, and so,
with a heavy heart, he made his salutation, and bade the old woman
farewell. But when he had gone a little way she called after him:

'If ever you are in trouble or danger, come to where you now stand and
cry: "Fairy of the Forest! Fairy of the forest, help me now!" And I
will listen to you.'

The prince thanked her and continued his journey, but he thought
little of the old woman's saying, and much of the lovely damsel.
Shortly afterwards he arrived at a city; and, as he was now in great
straits, having come to the end of his money, he walked straight to
the palace of the king and asked for employment. The king said he had
plenty of servants and wanted no more; but the young man pleaded so
hard that at last the rajah was sorry for him, and promised that he
should enter his bodyguard on the condition that he would undertake
any service which was especially difficult or dangerous. This was just
what Ameer Ali wanted, and he agreed to do whatever the king might
wish.

Soon after this, on a dark and stormy night, when the river roared
beneath the palace walls, the sound of a woman