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584 bounded and curvetted continually. He provided himself with money, and a rich dress; as for diamonds, his hair could furnish him with enough, and passing the comb through it thrice would sometimes produce a million; for the supply was not always the same: they were aware even that the state of their mind, or that of their health, regulated the quantity of the jewels. He took no one with him, that he might feel more at liberty, and that, if the adventure should prove a perilous one, he could hazard its accomplishment, without exposing himself to the remonstrances of a zealous and timid attendant.

When supper time arrived, and the Princess did not see her brother Cheri, she felt so uneasy, she could neither eat nor drink; she desired he might be sought for everywhere. The two Princes, knowing nothing of the dancing water, begged her not to distress herself so much; that he could not be far off, that she knew he was fond of indulging in profound reveries, and that he was no doubt in the forest. She was therefore comparatively easy till midnight, but after that she lost all patience, and, with tears in her eyes, told her brothers that she was the cause of Cheri's absence, that she had expressed a great wish to have some of the dancing water from the luminous forest, and that certainly he had gone there. At this intelligence they determined to send several persons after him, and she charged them, to tell him she implored him to return.

In the meantime, the wicked Feintise was very anxious to know the result of her advice; when she heard that Cheri had already set out, she was delighted, not doubting that he would make more speed than those who followed him, and that some mischief would befal him. She ran to the palace, full of this hope, and reported to the Queen-Mother all that had passed. "I admit, Madam," said she, "that I can no longer doubt that they are the three Princes, and their sister. They have stars upon their foreheads, chains of gold round their necks, their hair is most beautiful, and jewels continually fall from it. I have seen the Princess adorned with some which I put into her cradle, although not so valuable as those that fall from her hair. I no longer therefore doubt their return, notwithstanding the care I had taken to prevent it; but, Madam. I will rid you of them, and as it is the only