DANISH FAIRY AND FOLK TALES
Time flew so rapidly that he was taken by surprise when one day the cat told him that a year had passed, and that he must return home, as both of his brothers were already there, each with his bride. Peter thought there was time enough, as he had not yet found a bride for himself. "You have served me faithfully for three years," said the cat, "and, therefore, I am determined to help you this time also. You must promise, however, to do exactly as I tell you." Yes, Peter was ready to do whatever she wished! "Take your knife," pursued the cat, "and cut my head off. As soon as you have done this, strip off my skin."
Peter said he could not do this, as she had always treated him so kindly. "You must do it, nevertheless," returned the cat, "if you wish matters to end well."
Thus Peter was obliged to obey. But as soon as he had cut off her head and began to skin her, a beautiful princess stood before him with a crown on her hair. She told him how an evil power had doomed her to remain in the shape of a cat until a prince declared himself willing to serve her for three years. "And," added she, "as you have done so, I am freed from the witchcraft, and ready to return home with you."
Peter was, of course, both surprised and pleased to see the beautiful princess appear before him; but he was much more delighted to learn that she was willing to become his wife. Now he must
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