appeared he still wore his cap. But the Princess went up to him and took it off; then all his golden hair fell over his shoulders, and it was so beautiful that they were all amazed by it.
Are you the Knight who came to the feast every day in a different colour, and who caught the three golden apples?’ asked the King.
‘Yes,’ he answered, ‘and here are the apples,’ bringing them out of his pocket, and giving them to the King. ‘If you want further proof, here is the wound in my leg given me by your people when they pursued me. But I am also the Knight who helped you to conquer the enemy.’
“If you can do such deeds you are no Gardener’s boy. Tell me who is your father?’
‘My father is a powerful King, and I have plenty of gold—as much as ever I want.’
‘I see very well,’ said the King, ‘that we owe you many thanks. Can I do anything to please you?’
‘Yes,’ he answered; ‘indeed, you can. Give me your daughter to be my wife!’
The maiden laughed, and said, ‘He does not beat about the bush; but I saw long ago that he was no Gardener’s boy.’
Then she went up to him and kissed him.
His father and mother came to the wedding, and they were full of joy, for they had long given up all hope of ever seeing their dear son again. As they were all sitting at the wedding feast, the music suddenly stopped, the doors flew open, and a proud King walked in at the head of a great following. He went up to the Bridegroom, embraced him, and said, ‘I am Iron Hans, who was bewitched and changed into a Wild Man; but you have broken the spell and set me free. All the treasure that I have is now your own.’
