threatened to kill the princesses unless they took an oath not to reveal
what they had done, and they, being in the princes' power, did not dare
to refuse. However, they were very sorry for the youth who had risked
his life for them, and the youngest princess mourned him with all her
heart, and would not be comforted.

After having done this, the princes went on to the king's demesnes, and
one can well imagine how glad the king was to once more see his three
daughters.

Meanwhile the poor lad lay in the forest as if he were dead. He was not,
however, forsaken, for the three dogs lay down by him, kept him warm,
and licked his wounds. They attended to him till he got his breath
again, and came once more to life. When he had regained life and
strength, he began his journey, and came, after having endured many
hardships, to the king's demesnes, where the princesses lived.

When he went into the palace, he marked that the whole place was filled
with mirth and joy, and in the royal hall he heard dancing and the sound
of harps. The lad was much astonished, and asked what it all meant.

"You have surely come from a distance," said the servant, "not to know
that the king has got back his daughters from the mountain giants. The
two elder princesses are married to-day."

The lad asked about the youngest princess, whether she was to be
married. The servant said she would have no one, but wept continually,
and no one could find out the reason for her sorrow. Then the lad was
glad, for he well knew that his love was faithful and true to him.