As he fixed his eyes upon it a crack was heard , and in a few moments it was nothing but a heap of sand . In the sand something might be detected glittering brightly . Quickeye picked it up and brought it to the prince . It turned out to be a lump of pure gold . ` You are a wonderful creature , ' said the prince , ` and I should be a fool not to take you into my service . But since your eyes are so good , tell me if I am very far from the Iron Castle , and what is happening there just now . ' ` If you were travelling alone , ' replied Quickeye , ` it would take you at least a year to get to it ; but as we are with you , we shall arrive there to-night . Just now they are preparing supper . ' ` There is a princess in the castle . Do you see her ? ' ' A wizard keeps her in a high tower , guarded by iron bars . ' ` Ah , help me to deliver her ! ' cried the prince . And they promised they would . Then they all set out through the grey rocks , by the breach made by the eyes of Quickeye , and passed over great mountains and through deep woods . And every time they met with any obstacle the three friends contrived somehow to put it aside . As the sun was setting , the prince beheld the towers of the Iron Castle , and before it sank beneath the horizon he was crossing the iron bridge which led to the gates . He was only just in time , for no sooner had the sun disappeared altogether , than the bridge drew itself up and the gates shut themselves . There was no turning back now ! The prince put up his horse in the stable , where everything looked as if a guest was expected , and then the whole party marched straight up to the castle .
In the court , in the stables , and all over the great halls , they saw a number XXXXX men richly dressed , but every one turned into stone .
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