Then a silver trumpet sounded , and the two rivals started on their race , looking for all the world like a greyhound chasing a hare . But Quick-as-Thought , true to his name , outran the princess , and when the goal was reached the people all clapped their hands and shouted , ` Long live the stranger ! ' -LSB- Illustration : The Princess beaten by Quick-as-Thought -RSB- Canetella was much depressed by her defeat ; but , as the race had to be run a second time , she determined she would not be beaten again . Accordingly she went home and sent Quick-as-Thought a magic ring , which prevented the person who wore it , not only from running , but even from walking , and begged that he would wear it for her sake . Early next morning the crowd assembled on the race-course , and Canetella and Quick-as-Thought began their trial afresh . The princess ran as quickly as ever , but poor Quick-as-Thought was like an overloaded donkey , and could not go a step . Then Hit-the-Point , who had heard all about the princess 's deception from Hare 's - ear , when he saw the danger his friend was in , seized his bow and arrow and shot the stone out of the ring Quick-as-Thought was wearing . In a moment the youth 's legs became free again , and in five bounds he had overtaken Canetella and won the race . The king was much disgusted when he saw that he must acknowledge Moscione as his future son-in-law , and summoned the wise men of his court to ask if there was no way out of the difficulty . The council at once decided that Canetella was far too dainty a morsel for the mouth of such a travelling tinker , and advised the king to offer Moscione a present of gold , which no doubt a beggar like him would prefer to all the wives in the world . The king was delighted at this suggestion , and calling Moscione before him , he asked him what sum of money he would take instead of his promised bride . Moscione first consulted with his friends , and then answered : ' I demand as much gold and precious stones as my followers can carry away . ' The king thought he was being let off very easily , and produced coffers of gold , sacks of silver , and chests of precious stones ; but the more Strong-Back was loaded with the treasure the straighter he stood . At last the treasury was quite exhausted , and the king had to send his courtiers to his subjects to collect all the gold and silver they possessed . But nothing was of any avail , and Strong-Back only asked for more . When the king 's counsellors saw the unexpected result of their advice , they said it would be more than foolish to let some strolling thieves take so much treasure out of the country , and urged the king to send a troop of soldiers after them , to recover the gold and precious stones . So the king sent a body of armed men on foot and horse , to take back the treasure Strong-Back was carrying away with him . But Hare 's - ear , who had heard what the counsellors had advised the king , told his companions just as the dust of their pursuers was visible on the horizon . No sooner had Blow-Blast taken in their danger than he raised such a mighty wind that all the king 's army was blown down like so many nine-pins , and as they were quite unable to get up again , Moscione and his companions proceeded on their way without further let or hindrance . As soon as they reached his home , Moscione divided his spoil with his companions , at which they were much delighted .
He , himself , stayed with his father , who was obliged at last XXXXX acknowledge that his son was not quite such a fool as he looked .
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