all there, and then said, "You have done
very well in this test, to-morrow I will give you another."

Early next morning the king summoned George to him and said, "My
daughter, the Princess with the Golden Hair, dropped her gold ring
into the sea while bathing. You must find the jewel and bring it me
to-day."

The young fellow walked thoughtfully up and down the beach. The water
was pure and transparent, but he could not see beyond a certain
distance into its depths, and therefore could not tell where the ring
was lying beneath the water.

"Ah, my golden fishling, why are you not here now? You would surely be
able to help me," he said to himself, speaking aloud.

"Here I am," answered the fish's voice from the sea, "what can I do
for you?"

"I have to find a gold ring which has been dropped in the sea, but as
I cannot see to the bottom there is no use looking."

The fish said, "Fortunately I have just met a pike, wearing a gold
ring on his fin. Just wait a moment, will you?"

In a very short time he reappeared with the pike and the ring. The
pike willingly gave up the jewel.

The king thanked George for his cleverness, and then told him the
third task. "If you really wish me to give the hand of my daughter
with the golden hair to the monarch who has sent you here, you must
bring me two things that I want above everything: the Water of Death
and the Water of Life."

George had not the least idea where to find these waters, so he
determined to trust to chance and "follow his nose," as the saying is.
He went first in one direction and then in another, until he reached a
dark forest.

"Ah, if my little ravens were but here, perhaps they would help me,"
he said aloud.

Suddenly there was heard a rushing noise, as of wings overhead, and
then down came the ravens calling "Krak, krak, here we are, ready and
willing to help you. What are you looking for?"

"I want some of the Water of Death and the Water of Life: it is
impossible for me to find them, for I don't know where to look."

"Krak, krak, we know very well where to find some. Wait a moment."

Off they went immediately, but soon returned, each with a small gourd
in his beak. One gourd contained the Water of Life, the other the
Water of Death.

George was delighted with his success, and went back on his way to the
palace. When nearly out of the forest, he saw a spider's web hanging
between two fir trees, while in the centre was a large spider
devouring