THE MAID wITH HAIR OF GOLD 85

You would surely be able to help me,” he said to himself,
speaking aloud.

“Flere I am,” answered the fish’s voice from the sea,
“ what can I do for you?”

“T have to find a gold ring which has been dropped in
the sea, but as I cannot see to the bottom there is no use
looking.”

The fish said, “ Fortunately I have just met a pike, wearing
a gold ring on his fin. Just wait a moment, will you?”

In a very short time he reappeared with the pike and
the ring. The pike willingly gave up the jewel.

The king thanked George for his cleverness, and then
told him the third task. “If you really wish me to give
the hand of my daughter with the golden hair to the
monarch who has sent you here, you must bring me two
things that I want above everything: the Water of Death
and the Water of Life.”

George had not the least idea where to find these
waters, so he determined to trust to chance and “ follow his
nose,” as the saying is. He went first in one direction and
then in another, until he reached a dark forest.

“Ah, if my little ravens were but here, perhaps they
would help me,” he said aloud.

Suddenly there was heard a rushing noise, as of wings
overhead, and then down came the ravens calling ‘“ Krak,
krak, here we are, ready and willing to help you. What are
you looking for?”

“T want some of the Water of Death and the Water of
Life: it is impossible for me to find them, for I don’t know
where to look.”