On the third day after the old woman 's departure a young prince , hunting in the forest , got separated from his companions , and completely lost . Weary of seeking his way , he flung himself down under a tree , leaving his horse to browse at will , and fell asleep . The sun had set when he awoke and began once more to try and find his way out of the forest . At last he perceived a narrow foot-path , which he eagerly followed and found that it led him to a small hut . The maidens , who were sitting at the door of their hut for coolness , saw him approaching , and the two elder were much alarmed , for they remembered the old woman 's warning ; but the youngest said : `` Never before have I seen anyone like him ; let me have one look . '' They entreated her to come in , but , seeing that she would not , left her , and the Prince , coming up , courteously greeted the maiden , and told her he had lost his way in the forest and was both hungry and weary . She set food before him , and was so delighted with his conversation that she forgot the old woman 's caution , and lingered for hours . In the meantime the Prince 's companions sought him far and wide , but to no purpose , so they sent two messengers to tell the sad news to the King , who immediately ordered a regiment of cavalry and one of infantry to go and look for him . After three days ' search , they found the hut . The Prince was still sitting by the door and had been so happy in the maiden 's company that the time had seemed like a single hour . Before leaving he promised to return and fetch her to his father 's court , where he would make her his bride . When he had gone , she sat down to her wheel to make up for lost time , but was dismayed to find that her thread had lost all its brightness . Her heart beat fast and she wept bitterly , for she remembered the old woman 's warning and knew not what misfortune might now befall her . The old woman returned in the night and knew by the tarnished thread what had happened in her absence . She was furiously angry and told the maiden that she had brought down misery both on herself and on the Prince . The maiden could not rest for thinking of this . At last she could bear it no longer , and resolved to seek help from the Prince . As a child she had learned to understand the speech of birds , and this was now of great use to her , for , seeing a raven pluming itself on a pine bough , she cried softly to it : `` Dear bird , cleverest of all birds , as well as swiftest on wing , wilt thou help me ? '' `` How can I help thee ? '' asked the raven .
She answered : `` Fly away , until thou comest to a splendid town , where stands a king 's palace ; seek out the king 's son and tell him XXXXX a great misfortune has befallen me . ''
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