the inn, where she took lodgings.

The next morning, the Absolute Fool came back to the inn, and seeing
the Princess, said: "I rode until after night-fall, searching for the
Prince, before it occurred to me that, even if I should find him, I
would not know him in the dark. As soon as I thought of that, I rode
straight to the nearest house, and slept until daybreak, when I
remembered that I was to report to you this morning. But as I have
heard no news of the Prince, and as this is a beautiful, clear day, I
think it would be extremely foolish to remain idly here, where there
is nothing of interest going on, and when a single hour's delay may
cause you to miss the object of your search. The Prince may be in one
place this morning, and there is no knowing where he will be in the
afternoon. While the Gryphoness is searching, we should search also.
We can return before sunset, and we will leave word here as to the
direction we have taken, so that when she returns, she can quickly
overtake us. It is my opinion that not a moment should be lost. I
will be your guide. I know this country well."

The Princess thought this sounded like good reasoning, and consented
to set out. There were some beautiful mountains to the south-east;
and among these, the Absolute Fool declared, a prince of good taste
would be very apt to dwell. They, therefore, took this direction. But
when they had travelled an hour or more, the mountains began to look
bare and bleak, and the Absolute Fool declared that he did not
believe any prince would live there. He therefore advised that they
turn into a road that led to the north-east. It was a good road; and
therefore he thought it led to a good place, where a person of good
sense would be likely to reside. Along this road they therefore
travelled. They had ridden but a few miles when they met three men,
well armed and mounted. These men drew up their horses, and
respectfully saluted the Princess.

"High-born Lady," they said, "for by your aspect we know you to be
such, we would inform you that we are the soldiers of the King, the
outskirts of whose dominions you have reached. It is our duty to
question all travellers, and, if their object in coming to our
country is a good one, to give them whatever assistance and
information they may require. Will you tell us why you are come?"

"Impertinent vassals!" cried the Absolute Fool, riding up in a great
passion. "How dare you interfere with a princess who has