The boy had need of all his courage to listen silently to the king 's words . He had no idea where the golden hen might be , or even , if he discovered that , how he was to get to her . But there was nothing for it but to do the king 's bidding , and he felt that the sooner he left the palace the better . So he went home and put some food into a bag , and then set forth , hoping that some accident might show him which path to take . After walking for several hours he met a fox , who seemed inclined to be friendly , and the boy was so glad to have anyone to talk to that he sat down and entered into conversation . ` Where are you going ? ' asked the fox . ' I have got to find a golden hen who has lost a feather out of her tail , ' answered the boy ; ` but I do n't know where she lives or how I shall catch her ! ' ` Oh , I can show you the way ! ' said the fox , who was really very good-natured . ` Far towards the east , in that direction , lives a beautiful maiden who is called `` The Sister of the Sun . '' She has three golden hens in her house . Perhaps the feather belongs to one of them . ' The boy was delighted at this news , and they walked on all day together , the fox in front , and the boy behind . When evening came they lay down to sleep , and put the knapsack under their heads for a pillow . Suddenly , about midnight , the fox gave a low whine , and drew nearer to his bedfellow . ` Cousin , ' he whispered very low , ` there is someone coming who will take the knapsack away from me . Look over there ! ' And the boy , peeping through the bushes , saw a man . ` Oh , I do n't think he will rob us ! '
said the boy ; and when the man drew near , he told them his story , which so much interested the stranger XXXXX he asked leave to travel with them , as he might be of some use .
at for in into on over that to towards under