from the place where you are taken, hide one of them. I shall be sure to find it.’
The Little Man heard this plan also; and when the Soldier told him to bring the Princess again, he advised him to put it off. He said he knew no further means against their craftiness; and if the shoe were found, it would be very dangerous for his master.
‘Do what I tell you,’ answered the Soldier; and for the third time the Princess was brought and made to work like a servant. But before leaving she hid one of her shoes under the bed.
Next morning the King ordered the whole town to be searched for his Daughter’s shoe, and it was soon found in the Soldier’s room. He himself, at the request of the Little Man, had gone outside the gates; but before long he was seized and thrown into prison.
In his flight he had forgotten his greatest treasures, the Blue Light and his gold. He had but one ducat in his pocket.
As he stood at his window in the prison, loaded with chains, he saw one of his comrades going by. He tapped on the pane, and said:
‘Be so good as to fetch me the little bundle I left behind at the inn, and I will give you a ducat.’
His comrade hurried off and brought him the bundle. As soon as the Soldier was alone, he lighted his pipe and summoned the Little Man.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said to his Master. ‘Go where they take you, and let what will happen, only take the Blue Light with you.’
Next day a trial was held, and although the Soldier had done no harm, the Judge sentenced him to death.
When he was led out to execution he asked a last favour of the King.
‘What is your wish?’ asked the King.
‘That I may smoke a last pipe.’
