The master was dumb with surprise as he came in after breakfast and found his man 's day 's work quite done . ` Was it really you who were so clever ? ' asked he . ` Or did some one give you good advice ? ' ` Oh , I have only myself to take counsel with , ' said the prince , and the old man went away , shaking his head . Late in the evening the prince went to his master to learn what he was to do next day . ` To-morrow , ' said the old man , ` you must bring the white-headed calf to the meadow , and , as you value your life , take care it does not escape from you . ' The prince answered nothing , but thought , ` Well , most peasants of nineteen have got a whole herd to look after , so surely I can manage one . ' And he went towards his room , where the maiden met him . ` To morrow I have got an idiot 's work , ' said he ; ` nothing but to take the white-headed calf to the meadow . ' ` Oh , you unlucky being ! ' sighed she . ` Do you know that this calf is so swift that in a single day he can run three times round the world ? Take heed to what I tell you . Bind one end of this silk thread to the left fore-leg of the calf , and the other end to the little toe of your left foot , so that the calf will never be able to leave your side , whether you walk , stand , or lie . ' After this the prince went to bed and slept soundly . The next morning he did exactly what the maiden had told him , and led the calf with the silken thread to the meadow , where it stuck to his side like a faithful dog . By sunset , it was back again in its stall , and then came the master and said , with a frown , ` Were you really so clever yourself , or did somebody tell you what to do ? ' ` Oh , I have only my own poor head , ' answered the prince , and the old man went away growling , ' I do n't believe a word of it ! I am sure you have found some clever friend ! '
In the XXXXX he called the prince and said : ` To-morrow I have no work for you , but when I wake you must come before my bed , and give me your hand in greeting . '
day end escape evening fore-leg left master meadow prince surprise