ant then
cut off his head, and the crow perched on a tree, saying: "I have not
forgotten how you saved my life by killing the eagle. I promised to do
you a good turn, and I have kept my word." "In truth I am greatly
beholden to you, master crow," quoth Avenant, as he mounted his horse,
and rode off with Galifron's head.

[Illustration]

When he reached the city, the inhabitants gathered round him, and
accompanied him with loud cheers to the palace. The princess, who had
trembled for his safety, was delighted to see him return. "Now madam,"
said Avenant, "I think you have no excuse left for not marrying my liege
lord." "Yes, indeed I have," answered she; "and I shall still refuse him
unless you procure me some water from the fountain of beauty. This water
lies in a grotto, guarded by two dragons. Inside the grotto is a large
hole full of toads and serpents, by which you descend to a small cellar
containing the spring. Whoever washes her face with this water retains
her beauty, if already beautiful, or becomes beautiful, though ever so
ugly. It makes the young remain young, and the old become young again.
So you see, Avenant, I cannot leave my kingdom without carrying some of
this water away with me." "Methinks, madam," observed Avenant, "you are
far too beautiful to need any such water; but, as you seek the death of
your humble servant, I must go and die."

Accordingly, Avenant set out with his faithful little dog, and at last
reached a high mountain, from the top of which he perceived a rock as
black as ink, whence issued clouds of smoke. Presently out came a green
and yellow dragon, whose eyes and nostrils were pouring forth fire, and
whose tail had at least a hundred coils. Avenant drew his sword, and
taking out a phial given him by the Fair One with Golden Locks, said to
Cabriole, "I shall never be able to reach the water; so, when I am
killed, fill this phial with my blood, and take it to the princess, that
she may see what she has cost me, and then go and inform the king, my
master, of the fate that has befallen me." While he was speaking, a
voice called out: "Avenant! Avenant!" and he perceived an owl in the
hollow of a tree, who said: "You freed me from the bird-catcher's net,
and I promised to do you a good turn. So give me your phial, and I will
go and fetch the water of beauty." And away flew the owl, who, knowing
all the turnings and windings of the grotto, soon returned bearing back
his prize. After thank