`My brothers,' says he, `are now going to travel, and, as I
understand, a perilous journey wherein they know not what road to take
or what may happen them. I am resolved, therefore, not to stay
here, but to go with them, let what will betide; and I request and
command, according to my bargain, that the Queen shall stand on
the highest tower of the palace until we come back (or find out that
we are certainly dead), with nothing but sheaf corn for her food and
cold water for her drink, if it should be for seven years and longer.'

All things being now fixed, the three princes departed the Court
in search of the Knight of the Glen's palace, and travelling along
the road they came up with a man who was a little lame, and
seemed to be somewhat advanced in years; they soon fell into
discourse, and the youngest of the princes asked the stranger his
name, or what was the reason he wore so remarkable a black cap
as he saw on him.

`I am called,' said he, `the Thief of Sloan, and sometimes the
Black Thief from my cap; `and so telling the prince the most of his
adventures, he asked him again where they were bound for, or
what they were about.

The prince, willing to gratify his request, told him their affairs
from the beginning to the end. `And now,' said he, `we are travelling,
and do not know whether we are on the right road or not.'

`Ah! my brave fellows,' says the Black Thief, `you little know
the danger you run. I am after that steed myself these seven
years, and can never steal him on account of a silk covering he has
on him in the stable, with sixty bells fixed to it, and whenever you