They brought the cauldron and the loads of wood , and very soon the King was boiling away . Toward mid-day the gardener 's son arranged the bones in their places , and he had hardly scattered the ashes over them before the old King revived , to find himself once more young and hearty . `` How can I reward you , my benefactor ? '' he cried . `` Will you take half my treasures ? '' `` No , '' said the gardener 's son . `` My daughter 's hand ? '' '' No . '' `` Take half my kingdom . '' `` No . Give me only the bronze ring which can instantly grant me anything I wish for . '' `` Alas ! '' said the King , `` I set great store by that marvelous ring ; nevertheless , you shall have it . '' And he gave it to him . The gardener 's son went back to say good-by to the old beggar-woman ; then he said to the bronze ring : `` Prepare a splendid ship in which I may continue my journey . Let the hull be of fine gold , the masts of silver , the sails of brocade ; let the crew consist of twelve young men of noble appearance , dressed like kings . St. Nicholas will be at the helm . As to the cargo , let it be diamonds , rubies , emeralds , and carbuncles . '' And immediately a ship appeared upon the sea which resembled in every particular the description given by the gardener 's son , and , stepping on board , he continued his journey . Presently he arrived at a great town and established himself in a wonderful palace .
After several days he met his rival , the minister 's son , who had spent all his money and was reduced to the disagreeable employment of a carrier XXXXX dust and rubbish .
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