When they reached the palace everyone crowded round to welcome them as they went into the King 's great hall ; and when the two brothers presented their little dogs nobody could decide which was the prettier . They were already arranging between themselves to share the kingdom equally , when the youngest stepped forward , drawing from his pocket the acorn the White Cat had given him . He opened it quickly , and there upon a white cushion they saw a dog so small that it could easily have been put through a ring . The Prince laid it upon the ground , and it got up at once and began to dance . The King did not know what to say , for it was impossible that anything could be prettier than this little creature . Nevertheless , as he was in no hurry to part with his crown , he told his sons that , as they had been so successful the first time , he would ask them to go once again , and seek by land and sea for a piece of muslin so fine that it could be drawn through the eye of a needle . The brothers were not very willing to set out again , but the two eldest consented because it gave them another chance , and they started as before . The youngest again mounted the wooden horse , and rode back at full speed to his beloved White Cat . Every door of the castle stood wide open , and every window and turret was illuminated , so it looked more wonderful than before . The hands hastened to meet him , and led the wooden horse off to the stable , while he hurried in to find the White Cat . She was asleep in a little basket on a white satin cushion , but she very soon started up when she heard the Prince , and was overjoyed at seeing him once more . `` How could I hope that you would come back to me King 's son ? '' she said . And then he stroked and petted her , and told her of his successful journey , and how he had come back to ask her help , as he believed that it was impossible to find what the King demanded . The White Cat looked serious , and said she must think what was to be done , but that , luckily , there were some cats in the castle who could spin very well , and if anybody could manage it they could , and she would set them the task herself . And then the hands appeared carrying torches , and conducted the Prince and the White Cat to a long gallery which overlooked the river , from the windows of which they saw a magnificent display of fireworks of all sorts ; after which they had supper , which the Prince liked even better than the fireworks , for it was very late , and he was hungry after his long ride . And so the days passed quickly as before ; it was impossible to feel dull with the White Cat , and she had quite a talent for inventing new amusements -- indeed , she was cleverer than a cat has any right to be . But when the Prince asked her how it was that she was so wise , she only said : `` King 's son , do not ask me ; guess what you please . I may not tell you anything . '' The Prince was so happy that he did not trouble himself at all about the time , but presently the White Cat told him that the year was gone , and that he need not be at all anxious about the piece of muslin , as they had made it very well .
`` This time , '' she added , `` I can give you a suitable escort '' ; and XXXXX looking out into the courtyard the Prince saw a superb chariot of burnished gold , enameled in flame color with a thousand different devices .
as because for from into on so than to upon