"'I dare not refuse the giant,' said Brunhilda's father. 'He is very
powerful, and we must not make him angry. You must marry him, my
daughter, in three days.'

"The poor maiden wept bitterly. It seemed as though her heart would
break. But she was a clever girl, and she soon dried her tears and
began to think of some plan by which she might yet be free. She
began to smile upon the giant and treat him with great kindness.

"'I should like to try the beautiful horse you brought me,' she said
to him. He was much pleased. The horse was brought to the door.
The princess mounted him and rode for a time up and down in front of
the palace.

"The very next day was that set apart for the wedding. The castle
was filled with guests who feasted and made merry. The giant entered
into everything with a will. He laughed till the floors and walls
shook. Little did he think what was taking place. For the princess
slipped out of the castle when no one was watching, hurried into the
stable, and leaped upon the back of her swift white horse.

"'Lower the drawbridge instantly,' she called to the guard. She
passed over it, and away she flew like the wind.

"You were too late, too late, O giant, when you discovered that
Brunhilda was missing.

"He flew out of the castle, and on the back of his own fiery black
horse he dashed after the runaway princess.