The old man listened to him full of sorrow , and then he spoke : ` You have done ill , my son , to search out that which was hidden , and you are running to meet a great danger . This young girl has fallen into the power of a wicked sorcerer , who lives in an iron castle . Many young men have tried to deliver her , and none have ever come back . But what is done is done ! You have given your word , and it can not be broken . Go , dare your fate , and return to me safe and sound . ' So the prince embraced his father , mounted his horse , and set forth to seek his bride . He rode on gaily for several hours , till he found himself in a wood where he had never been before , and soon lost his way among its winding paths and deep valleys . He tried in vain to see where he was : the thick trees shut out the sun , and he could not tell which was north and which was south , so that he might know what direction to make for . He felt in despair , and had quite given up all hope of getting out of this horrible place , when he heard a voice calling to him . ` Hey ! hey ! stop a minute ! ' The prince turned round and saw behind him a very tall man , running as fast as his legs would carry him . ` Wait for me , ' he panted , ` and take me into your service . If you do , you will never be sorry . ' ` Who are you ? ' asked the prince , ` and what can you do ? ' ` Long is my name , and I can lengthen my body at will . Do you see that nest up there on the top of that pine-tree ?
Well , I can get it for you without taking the trouble of climbing the tree , ' and Long stretched himself up and up and up , XXXXX he was very soon as tall as the pine itself .
So among in into of on that till to up