last stretch of dark forest, and they saw looming up ahead of
them the Iron Castle.

Just as the sun sank the prince and his followers crossed the
drawbridge and entered the courtyard gate. Instantly the drawbridge
lifted and the gate clanged shut.

They went through the courtyard and the prince put his horse in the
stable, where he found a place all in readiness. Then the four of them
marched boldly into the castle.

Everywhere--in the courtyard, in the stables, and now in the various
rooms of the castle--they saw great numbers of richly clad men all of
whom, masters and servants alike, had been turned to stone.

They went on from one room to another until they reached the banquet
hall. This was brilliantly lighted and the table, with food and drink
in abundance, was set for four persons. They waited, expecting some
one to appear, but no one came. At last, overpowered by hunger, they
sat down and ate and drank most heartily.

After supper they began to look about for a place to sleep. It was
then without warning that the doors burst open and the magician
appeared. He was a bent old man with a bald head and a gray beard that
reached to his knees. He was dressed in a long black robe and he had,
instead of a belt, three iron bands about his waist.

He led in a beautiful lady dressed in white with a silver girdle and a
crown of pearls. Her face was deathly pale and as sad as the grave.
The prince recognized her instantly and sprang forward to meet her.
Before he could speak, the magician raised his hand and said:

"I know why you have come. It is to carry off this princess. Very
well, take her. If you can guard her for three nights so that she
won't escape you, she is yours. But if she escapes you, then you and
your men will suffer the fate of all those who have come before you
and be turned into stone."

Then when he had motioned the princess to a seat, he turned and left
the hall.

The prince could not take his eyes from the princess, she was so
beautiful. He tried to talk to her, asking her many questions, but she
made him no answer. She might have been marble the way she never
smiled and never looked at any of them.

He seated himself beside her, determined to stay all night on guard in
order to prevent her escape. For greater security Longshanks stretched
himself out on the floor like a strap and wound himself around the
room the whole length of the wall. Girth sat in the doorway and puffed
himself out un