Page:Danish fairy and folk tales.djvu/335

 pointing to the little gray steed, which stood near by, gazing at them.

"Give him back his human shape," commanded James.

"Then give me back the gun and the horn," answered the troll. He received them, when suddenly the horse vanished, and before them stood a young and stately knight. With a fearful crash the hill was closed, but the four happy persons were standing in the open field, the sun rising over their heads.

"I will keep my word," said the king, addressing James. "One-fourth of my country shall be yours, and I will give you a duke's rank and title."

"I am contented with less," replied James. "I have received no education, and would not make a good duke, I am sure."

"Never mind your education," asserted the king. "You can easily fill a duke's place without an education."

"Yes, indeed," said the princess.

"To be sure," added the prince.

Thus James became a duke. But the hunters at the royal palace died of envy, every one.