Without knowing it, the princess had made another conquest. On
board the ship which had sailed so near was the handsomest prince
in the world. He had heard of the enchanted tower, and determined
to get as near it as he could. He had strong glasses on board,
and whilst looking through them he saw the princess quite
clearly, and fell desperately in love with her at once. He wanted
to steer straight for the tower and to row off to it in a small
boat, but his entire crew fell at his feet and begged him not to
run such a risk. The captain, too, urged him not to attempt it.
‘You will only lead us all to certain death,' he said. ‘Pray
anchor nearer land, and I will then seek a kind fairy I know, who
has always been most obliging to me, and who will, I am sure, try
to help your Highness.'

The prince rather unwillingly listened to reason. He landed at
the nearest point, and sent off the captain in all haste to beg
the fairy's advice and help. Meantime he had a tent pitched on
the shore, and spent all his time gazing at the tower and looking
for the princess through his spyglass.

After a few days the captain came back, bringing the fairy with
him. The prince was delighted to see her, and paid her great
attention. ‘I have heard about this matter,' she said; ‘and, to
lose no time, I am going to send off a trusty pigeon to test the
enchantment. If there is any weak spot he is sure to find it out
and get in. I shall bid him bring a flower back as a sign of
success; and if he does so I quite hope to get you in too.'

‘But,' asked the prince, ‘could I not send a line by the pigeon
to tell the princess of my love?'