Now go ! I will be under the window . ' Stealthily the young man crept along the passage , pausing now and then to make sure that no man was following him , and entered the king 's chamber . A strange white line of light told him where the sword was , and crossing the room on tiptoe , he seized the knob , and drew it slowly out of the sheath . The king could hardly breathe with excitement lest it should make some noise , and bring all the people in the castle running to see what was the matter . But the sword slid swiftly and silently along the case till only the point was left touching it . Then a low sound was heard , as of the edge of a knife touching a silver plate , and the king was so startled that he nearly dropped the knob . ` Quick ! quick ! ' cried the horse , and the king scrambled hastily through the small window , and leapt into the saddle . ` He has heard and he will follow , ' said the horse ; ` but we have a good start , ' And on they sped , on and on , leaving the winds behind them . At length the horse slackened its pace . ` Look and see who is behind you , ' it said ; and the young man looked . ' I see a swarm of brown horses racing madly after us , ' he answered . ` We are swifter than those , ' said the horse , and flew on again . ` Look again , O king ! Is anyone coming now ? ' ' A swarm of black horses , and one has a white face , and on that horse a man is seated . He is the king of the oak windows . ' ` That is my brother , and swifter still than I , ' said the horse , ` and he will fly past me with a rush .
Then you must have your sword ready , and take off the head of the man who sits XXXXX him , as he turns and looks at you .
along behind into of on than through till under with