The third night the prince mounted the mare and rode her out to the meadows , with the foal trotting after . He tried hard to keep awake , but it was of no use , and in the morning there he was again on the log , grasping the halter . He started to his feet , and then stopped , for he remembered what the old woman had said , and pulled out the wolf 's grey lock . ` What is it , my brother ? ' asked the wolf as it stood before him . ` The old witch 's mare has run away from me , ' replied the prince , ` and I do n't know where to find her . ' ` Oh , she is with us , ' answered the wolf , ` and she has changed herself into a she-wolf , and the foal into a cub ; but strike the earth here with the halter , and cry , `` Come to me , O mare of the mountain witch . '' ' The prince did as he was bid , and as the hair touched his fingers the wolf changed back into a mare , with the foal beside her . And when he had mounted and ridden her home the old woman was on the steps to receive them , and she set some food before the prince , but led the mare back to her stable . ` You should have gone among the wolves , ' said she , striking her with a stick . ` So I did , ' replied the mare , ` but they are no friends of mine and betrayed me . ' The old woman made no answer , and left the stable , but the prince was at the door waiting for her . ' I have served you well , ' said he , ` and now for my reward . ' ` What I promised that will I perform , ' answered she . ` Choose one of these twelve horses ; you can have which you like . ' ` Give me , instead , that half-starved creature in the corner , ' asked the prince . ' I prefer him to all those beautiful animals . ' ` You ca n't really mean what you say ? ' replied the woman . ` Yes , I do , ' said the prince , and the old woman was forced to let him have his way .
So he took leave of her , and put the halter round his horse 's neck and led him XXXXX the forest , where he rubbed him down till his skin was shining like gold .
So as before for from in into of on with