The elder brothers carried in baskets two little
dogs, so delicate that they hardly dared to touch
them. As for the dog that attended the youngest,
he was all covered with mud from his journey.
When they reached the palace, every one crowded
to welcome them as they ascended to the royal
hall, and when the two brothers presented their
little dogs, no one could resolve which was the
most beautiful.
They were already arranging between themselves
what disposition they would make of the kingdom,
when the youngest, stepping forward, bowed to his
father, and presented him with the acorn. The
king, much astonished, opened it carefully and out
there ran on his hand the tiniest, dearest little mite
of a dog imaginable. The king was so surprised
that he let it drop. But the dog was not hurt. It
at once began to skip about, pirouette and caper,
and even to stand on its head.
The king did not know what to say, for it was
quite impossible that any dog could be found to
surpass this little creature. Nevertheless, as he
was in no hurry to resign his crown, he said to his
sons that as they had been so successful this time,
they must be set another task, and must find
him a piece of muslin so fine that it could be
drawn through the eye of a needle.
If it had not been that the elder brothers had been
worsted by the youngest, it may well be believed
they would not have been disposed to set out
again; however, by this new task set them, they
were afforded another chance, so they accepted it.
The youngest mounted his wooden horse, it tossed
its head, threw out its legs, and bore him at full
speed to the palace of his dear White Cat.
Every door of the castle stood wide open, every
window was illumined, and the hands appeared
waving a welcome to him. His horse was taken
from him, and he was conducted into the castle.
215

THE
WHITE
CAT