Holding each other tight by the hand , they made their way up into the sunlight , and found themselves by the side of the same sea , while the prince 's horse was still quietly feeding in the neighbouring meadow . The moment he saw his master , the horse whinnied and galloped towards him . Without losing an instant the prince sprang into the saddle , swung the princess behind him , and away they went like an arrow from a bow . When the hour arrived which Kostieï had fixed for the prince 's last trial , and there were no signs of him , the king sent to his room to ask why he delayed so long . The servants , finding the door locked , knocked loudly and received for answer , ` In one moment . ' It was the spittle , which was imitating the voice of the prince . The answer was taken back to Kostieï . He waited ; still no prince . He sent the servants back again , and the same voice replied , ` Immediately . ' ` He is making fun of me ! ' shrieked Kostieï in a rage . ` Break in the door , and bring him to me ! ' The servants hurried to do his bidding . The door was broken open . Nobody inside ; but just the spittle in fits of laughter ! Kostieï was beside himself with rage , and commanded his guards to ride after the fugitives . If the guards returned without the fugitives , their heads should pay for it . By this time the prince and princess had got a good start , and were feeling quite happy , when suddenly they heard the sound of a gallop far behind them . The prince sprang from the saddle , and laid his ear to the ground . ` They are pursuing us , ' he said .
` Then there is no time to be lost , ' answered the princess ; and as she spoke she changed herself into a river , the prince XXXXX a bridge , the horse into a crow , and divided the wide road beyond the bridge into three little ones .
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