And then the Mermaid caught up the King , and away they swam joyfully together . `` Now , '' said she , `` I have time to tell you about the Princess . In spite of the blow which the Fairy of the Desert gave her , the Yellow Dwarf compelled her to mount behind him upon his terrible Spanish cat ; but she soon fainted away with pain and terror , and did not recover till they were within the walls of his frightful Castle of Steel . Here she was received by the prettiest girls it was possible to find , who had been carried there by the Yellow Dwarf , who hastened to wait upon her and showed her every possible attention . She was laid upon a couch covered with cloth of gold , embroidered with pearls as big as nuts . '' `` Ah ! '' interrupted the King of the Gold Mines , `` if Bellissima forgets me , and consents to marry him , I shall break my heart . '' `` You need not be afraid of that , '' answered the Mermaid , `` the Princess thinks of no one but you , and the frightful Dwarf can not persuade her to look at him . '' `` Pray go on with your story , '' said the King . `` What more is there to tell you ? '' replied the Mermaid . `` Bellissima was sitting in the wood when you passed , and saw you with the Fairy of the Desert , who was so cleverly disguised that the Princess took her to be prettier than herself ; you may imagine her despair , for she thought that you had fallen in love with her . '' `` She believes that I love her ! '' cried the King . `` What a fatal mistake ! What is to be done to undeceive her ? '' `` You know best , '' answered the Mermaid , smiling kindly at him . `` When people are as much in love with one another as you two are , they do n't need advice from anyone else . '' As she spoke they reached the Castle of Steel , the side next the sea being the only one which the Yellow Dwarf had left unprotected by the dreadful burning walls . `` I know quite well , '' said the Mermaid , `` that the Princess is sitting by the brook-side , just where you saw her as you passed , but as you will have many enemies to fight with before you can reach her , take this sword ; armed with it you may dare any danger , and overcome the greatest difficulties , only beware of one thing -- that is , never to let it fall from your hand .
Farewell ; now I will wait by XXXXX rock , and if you need my help in carrying off your beloved Princess I will not fail you , for the Queen , her mother , is my best friend , and it was for her sake that I went to rescue you . ''
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