When they arrived at the town where the king dwelt they entered the small house over against the castle . The news of their coming spread very soon , and the king rejoiced greatly that the handsome young prince had come back again , and commanded great feasts to be prepared , for in a few days his daughter should marry the king 's son . The young man himself could imagine no greater happiness , and when the marriage was over they spent some months at the court making merry . At length the king 's son said , ` My mother awaits me at home , full of care and anxiety . Here I must remain no longer , and to-morrow I will take my wife and my friend and start for home . ' And the king was content that he should do so , and gave orders to prepare for their journey . Now in his heart the king cherished a deadly hate towards the poor young man whom he had tried to kill , but who had returned to him living , and in order to do him hurt sent him on a message to some distant spot . ` See that you are quick , ' said he , ` for your friend will await your return before he starts . ' The youth put spurs to his horse and departed , bidding the prince farewell , so that the king 's message might be delivered the sooner . As soon as he had started the king went to the chamber of the prince , and said to him , ` If you do not start immediately , you will never reach the place where you must camp for the night . ' ' I can not start without my friend , ' replied the king 's son . ` Oh , he will be back in an hour , ' replied the king , ` and I will give him my best horse , so that he will be sure to catch you up . ' The king 's son allowed himself to be persuaded and took leave of his father-in-law , and set out with his wife on his journey home . Meanwhile the poor friend had been unable to get through his task in the short time appointed by the king , and when at last he returned the king said to him , ` Your comrade is a long way off by now ; you had better see if you can overtake him . ' So the young man bowed and left the king 's presence , and followed after his friend on foot , for he had no horse . Night and day he ran , till at length he reached the place where the king 's son had pitched his tent , and sank down before him , a miserable object , worn out and covered with mud and dust . But the king 's son welcomed him with joy , and tended him as he would his brother . And at last they came home again , and the queen was waiting and watching in the palace , as she had never ceased to do since her son had rode away . She almost died of joy at seeing him again , but after a little she remembered his sick friend , and ordered a bed to be made ready and the best doctors in all the country to be sent for . When they heard of the queen 's summons they flocked from all parts , but none could cure him .
After everyone had tried and failed a servant entered and informed the queen that a strange old man had just knocked XXXXX the palace gate and declared that he was able to heal the dying youth .
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