He managed , unseen , to overtake his daughter , and throw a bridge of copper over a stream which she would have to cross . Then , changing himself into a wolf , he lay down under one of the arches , and waited . He had chosen his time well , and in about half an hour the sound of a horse 's hoofs was heard . His feet were almost on the bridge , when a big grey wolf with grinning teeth appeared before the princess . With a deep growl that froze the blood , he drew himself up , and prepared to spring . The appearance of the wolf was so sudden and so unexpected , that the girl was almost paralysed , and never even dreamt of flight , till the horse leaped violently to one side . Then she turned him round , and urging him to his fullest speed , never drew rein till she saw the gates of the palace rising before her . The old emperor , who had got back long since , came to the door to meet her , and touching her shining armour , he said , ` Did I not tell you , my child , that flies do not make honey ? ' The days passed on , and one morning the second princess implored her father to allow her to try the adventure in which her sister had made such a failure . He listened unwillingly , feeling sure it was no use , but she begged so hard that in the end he consented , and having chosen her arms , she rode away . But though , unlike her sister , she was quite prepared for the appearance of the wolf when she reached the copper bridge , she showed no greater courage , and galloped home as fast as her horse could carry her . On the steps of the castle her father was standing , and as still trembling with fright she knelt at his feet , he said gently , ` Did I not tell you , my child , that every bird is not caught in a net ? ' The three girls stayed quietly in the palace for a little while , embroidering , spinning , weaving , and tending their birds and flowers , when early one morning , the youngest princess entered the door of the emperor 's private apartments . ` My father , it is my turn now . Perhaps I shall get the better of that wolf ! ' ` What , do you think you are braver than your sisters , vain little one ? You who have hardly left your long clothes behind you ! ' but she did not mind being laughed at , and answered , ` For your sake , father , I would cut the devil himself into small bits , or even become a devil myself . I think I shall succeed , but if I fail , I shall come home without more shame than my sisters . ' Still the emperor hesitated , but the girl petted and coaxed him till at last he said , ` Well , well , if you must go , you must .
It remains to be seen what I shall get by it , except perhaps a good laugh when I see you come back with your head bent and your eyes XXXXX the ground . '
as behind if in on since till under with without