rst, she mounted her horse and
resumed her journey, and being gentle and forgiving, she soon forgot
the maid's rudeness. The sun shone on them fiercely, and the road was
filled with dust, so that they had not gone far before the Princess
again became thirsty. When they came to a brook, she called to the
maid:

"Pray fetch me a drink in my golden cup."

The maid's answer was even more insolent than before. "If you are
thirsty, get down and drink. I do not mean to serve you any longer."

The Princess's throat was parched, so she dismounted and drank from
the stream, at the same time murmuring, "O, Heaven! what am I to do?"
The three drops of blood again replied:

"If she knew this, for thy sake
Thy queen-mother's heart would break."

As she raised her head from the water, the handkerchief bearing the
three drops of blood fell unnoticed from her dress and floated down
the stream. The maid, however, had observed the loss with no small
satisfaction. Without the three drops of blood, the Princess was
completely in her power, and the traitorous servant immediately took
advantage of her helplessness. She obliged the Princess to disrobe and
exchange the royal dress for her own mean one. After making her swear,
on fear of death, never to betray the secret, the maid mounted Falada
and left her own horse for the Princess.

Falada bore the false Princess to the palace; but the horse had noted
all, and bided his time. The Prince came out to meet them, and took
the impostor bride to the royal chamber, while the true one was left
waiting in the court below. Seeing her there, forlorn and beautiful,
the old King inquired of the bride who it was she had thus left
outside.

"Only a woman who kept me company," she carelessly replied. "Give her
some work to content her."

The King could think of nothing suitable for such as she; but lacking
something better to offer, sent her to help the boy Curdken herd
geese. So it happened that the real bride became a goose-girl.

The false bride at length remembered Falada's gift of speech and
became alarmed lest he should betray the secret of her treachery. She
told the Prince that the horse which had brought her was vicious and
had given her much trouble, and that she desired his head cut off
immediately. The Prince at once granted her request, and gave orders
that Falada be beheaded.

When the real Princess heard the sad news, she dried her tears and
sought the executioner. She could