The Prince met them joyfully , and they began to tell him all their adventures ; but he managed to hide from them what he had been doing , and even led them to think that a turnspit dog which he had with him was the one he was bringing for the King . Fond as they all were of one another , the two eldest could not help being glad to think that their dogs certainly had a better chance . The next morning they started in the same chariot . The elder brothers carried in baskets two such tiny , fragile dogs that they hardly dared to touch them . As for the turnspit , he ran after the chariot , and got so covered with mud that one could hardly see what he was like at all . When they reached the palace everyone crowded round to welcome them as they went into the King 's great hall ; and when the two brothers presented their little dogs nobody could decide which was the prettier . They were already arranging between themselves to share the kingdom equally , when the youngest stepped forward , drawing from his pocket the acorn the White Cat had given him . He opened it quickly , and there upon a white cushion they saw a dog so small that it could easily have been put through a ring . The Prince laid it upon the ground , and it got up at once and began to dance . The King did not know what to say , for it was impossible that anything could be prettier than this little creature . Nevertheless , as he was in no hurry to part with his crown , he told his sons that , as they had been so successful the first time , he would ask them to go once again , and seek by land and sea for a piece of muslin so fine that it could be drawn through the eye of a needle . The brothers were not very willing to set out again , but the two eldest consented because it gave them another chance , and they started as before . The youngest again mounted the wooden horse , and rode back at full speed to his beloved White Cat . Every door of the castle stood wide open , and every window and turret was illuminated , so it looked more wonderful than before . The hands hastened to meet him , and led the wooden horse off to the stable , while he hurried in to find the White Cat . She was asleep in a little basket on a white satin cushion , but she very soon started up when she heard the Prince , and was overjoyed at seeing him once more . `` How could I hope that you would come back to me King 's son ? '' she said . And then he stroked and petted her , and told her of his successful journey , and how he had come back to ask her help , as he believed that it was impossible to find what the King demanded . The White Cat looked serious , and said she must think what was to be done , but that , luckily , there were some cats in the castle who could spin very well , and if anybody could manage it they could , and she would set them the task herself .
And then the hands appeared carrying torches , and conducted the Prince and the White Cat to a long gallery which overlooked the river , XXXXX the windows of which they saw a magnificent display of fireworks of all sorts ; after which they had supper , which the Prince liked even better than the fireworks , for it was very late , and he was hungry after his long ride .
as at from in of so than through to upon