shod, and rejoiced at the idea of
getting rid of his son.

Then Jack my Hedgehog set off for the first kingdom, and there the King
had given strict orders that if anyone should be seen riding a cock and
carrying a bagpipe he was to be chased away and shot at, and on no
account to be allowed to enter the palace. So when Jack my Hedgehog rode
up the guards charged him with their bayonets, but he put spurs to his
cock, flew up over the gate right to the King's windows, let himself
down on the sill, and called out that if he was not given what had been
promised him, both the King and his daughter should pay for it with
their lives. Then the King coaxed and entreated his daughter to go with
Jack and so save both their lives.

The Princess dressed herself all in white, and her father gave her a
coach with six horses and servants in gorgeous liveries and quantities
of money. She stepped into the coach, and Jack my Hedgehog with his cock
and pipes took his place beside her. They both took leave, and the King
fully expected never to set eyes on them again. But matters turned out
very differently from what he had expected, for when they had got a
certain distance from the town Jack tore all the Princess's smart
clothes off her, and pricked her all over with his bristles, saying:
'That's what you get for treachery. Now go back, I'll have no more to
say to you.' And with that he hunted her home, and she felt she had been
disgraced and put to shame till her life's end.

Then Jack my Hedgehog rode on with his cock and bagpipes to the country
of the second King to whom he had shown the way. Now this King had given
orders that, in the event of Jack's coming the guards were to present
arms, the people to cheer, and he was to be conducted in triumph to the
royal palace.

When the King's daughter saw Jack my Hedgehog, she was a good deal
startled, for he certainly was very peculiar looking; but after all she
considered that she had given her word and it couldn't be helped. So she
made Jack welcome and they were betrothed to each other, and at dinner
he sat next her at the royal table, and they ate and drank together.

[Illustration]

When they retired to rest the Princess feared lest Jack should kiss her
because of his prickles, but he told her not to be alarmed as no harm
should befall her. Then he begged the old King to place a watch of four
men just outside his bedroom door, and to desire them to make a big
fire. When he was abo