When the day came round appointed by the King for the return of his sons, the two elder appeared before him, and, without awaiting the arrival of their brother, displayed their pieces of linen, which were of a fineness quite astonishing.  But although they would pass through the eye of a large needle, through the small needle the King had selected they would not go.

There was much murmuring at this, and while the brothers were disputing the King’s decision, a charming sound was heard of trumpets and other musical instruments.

It was the youngest Prince who arrived in a chariot with out-riders and numerous attendants, all of which had been provided for him by the White Cat.

After respectfully greeting his father and embracing his brothers, he took out of a jewelled box a nut which he broke.  On breaking the nut he found a cherry stone, the stone was broken and there was the kernel, in the kernel was a grain of corn, in the grain of corn a millet seed, and within that a piece of linen so fine that it passed six times through the smallest needle’s eye, and moreover on it were exquisite paintings of people and places without number.

The King heaved a deep sigh, and turning to his children said,

“Nothing pleases me, in my old age, so much as your deference to my desires, and I wish to prove you once more.  Travel for a year, and he who at the end of the year brings home the most beautiful girl shall marry her, and be crowned king on his marriage.  I promise you that I will not defer this reward any longer.”

Our Prince saw the injustice of all this; his little dog and piece of linen were worth ten kingdoms, not only one; but he was too well brought up to go against his father’s wishes, and, mounting into his chariot, with his retinue, he returned to the White Cat’s Castle.

“Well!  King’s son!” said the White Cat, “you have returned once more without your crown?”

“Madam,” answered the Prince, “your gifts should have gained it for me, but I am convinced that the King would have more pain in giving it up than I should have pleasure in possessing it!”

“Never mind,” she replied, “you shall not neglect anything that may deserve it; and if you must conduct a beautiful girl to your father’s court, I will look for one so that you may gain the prize.  Meanwhile let us be happy.”

[Illustration]

If the Cat had not taken pains to remember the time when he must return to the court, the Prince would surely have forgotten it.  On the evening before, she told him that she would bring him to one of the most beautiful Princesses in the world, that at last the hour had arrived to destroy the fatal work of an evil fairy, and to do this he must make up his mind to cut off her head and tail, which he was at once to throw into the fire.

“I,” cried the Prince, “Blanchette that I love:  do you think I should be cruel enough to kill you?  No doubt, you wish to prove my heart which will certainly never forget what I owe to you for your kindness.”