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 They could not decide whether these things should be common property or whether hey should divide them.

Then said the Man: ‘I will exchange them with you if you like. I have no money, but I have something more valuable. First, however, I must test your things to see if you are speaking the truth.’

They let him get on to the horse, put on the cloak and take the stick in his hand. When he had got them all, he was nowhere to be seen.

Then he gave them a sound drubbing, and said: ‘There, you have your deserts, you bears. You may be satisfied with that.’

Then he rode up the glass mountain, and when he reached the castle he found the gate was shut. He touched it with his stick and it flew open.

He went in and straight up the stairs into the gallery where the Maiden sat with a golden cup of wine before her.

But she could not see him because he had the cloak on.

He took that ring she had given him and dropped it into the cup, where it fell with a clink.

She cried: ‘That is my ring. The Man who is to deliver me must be here.’

They searched for him all over the castle, but could not find him, for he had gone outside, taken off the cloak, and mounted his horse.

When the people came to the gate and saw him, they raised cries of joy.

He dismounted and took the Princess in his arms. She kissed him, and said: ‘Now you have delivered me, and to-morrow we will celebrate our marriage.’