THE PRINCE WITH THE GOLDEN HAND 2II

last persuaded her governesses to allow her to do so, they
agreeing on condition that she should keep with them. So
the crystal doors were thrown open, the oaken gates that shut
in the orchard turned on their hinges, and the princess found
herself on the green grass. She ran about, picking the sweet-
scented flowers and chasing the many-coloured butterflies.
But she could not have been a very prudent maiden, for
she wandered away from her governesses, with her face
uncovered.

Just at that moment a raging hurricane, such as had never
been seen or heard before, passed by and fell upon the garden.
It roared and whistled round and round, then seizing the
princess carried her far away. The terrified governesses
wrung their hands, and were for a time speechless with grief.
At last they rushed into the palace, and throwing themselves
on their knees before the king and queen, told them with
sobs and tears what had happened. They were overwhelmed
with sorrow and knew not what to do.

By this time quite a crowd of princes had arrived at the
palace, and seeing the king in such bitter grief, inquired the
reason of it. j

“Sorrow has touched my white hairs,” said the king.
“The hurricane has carried off my dearly beloved child, the
sweet Princess with the Golden Hair, and I know not where
it has taken her. Whoever finds this out, and brings her
back to me, shall have her for his wife, and with her half my
kingdom for a wedding present, and the remainder of my
wealth and titles after my death.”

After hearing these words, princes and knights mounted
their horses and set off to search throughout the world for