Count Piro 's , ' answered the man , who did not know the king ; and the king 's heart leapt as he thought that if they belonged to his rich son-in-law they were as good as his . At last the fox came to the castle of the ogre himself . He ran up the steps , with tears falling from his eyes , and crying : ` Oh , you poor , poor people , what a sad fate is yours ! ' ` What has happened ? ' asked the ogre , trembling with fright . ` Do you see that troop of horsemen who are riding along the road ? They are sent by the king to kill you ! ' ` Oh , dear little fox , help us , we implore you ! ' cried the ogre and his wife . ` Well , I will do what I can , ' answered the fox . ` The best place is for you both to hide in the big oven , and when the soldiers have gone by I will let you out . ' The ogre and ogress scrambled into the oven as quick as thought , and the fox banged the door on them ; just as he did so the king came up . ` Do us the honour to dismount , your Majesty , ' said the fox , bowing low . ` This is the palace of Count Piro ! ' ` Why it is more splendid than my own ! ' exclaimed the king , looking round on all the beautiful things that filled the hall . But why are there no servants ? ' ` His Excellency the Count Piro wished the princess to choose them for herself , ' answered the fox , and the king nodded his approval . He then rode on , leaving the bridal pair in the castle . But when it was dark and all was still , the fox crept downstairs and lit the kitchen fire , and the ogre and his wife were burned to death .
The next morning the fox said to Count Piro : ` Now that you are rich and happy , you have no more need XXXXX me ; but , before I go , there is one thing I must ask of you in return : when I die , promise me that you will give me a magnificent coffin , and bury me with due honours . '
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