But everything cost more than he expected , and when all was paid he found that only three gold pieces were left . ` What am I to do now ? ' said he to himself . ' I think I had better go to court , and enter into the service of the king . ' At first he was only a servant , who carried the king the water for his bath , and saw that his bed was made in a particular fashion . But he did his duties so well that his master soon took notice of him , and in a short time he rose to be a gentleman of the bedchamber . Now , when this happened the younger brother had spent all the money he had inherited , and did not know how to make any for himself . He then bethought him of the king 's favourite , and went whining to the palace to beg that his brother , whom he had so ill-used , would give him his protection , and find him a place . The elder , who was always ready to help everyone spoke to the king on his behalf , and the next day the young man took up is work at court . Unfortunately , the new-comer was by nature spiteful and envious , and could not bear anyone to have better luck than himself . By dint of spying through keyholes and listening at doors , he learned that the king , old and ugly though he was , had fallen in love with the Princess Bella-Flor , who would have nothing to say to him , and had hidden herself in some mountain castle , no one knew where . ` That will do nicely , ' thought the scoundrel , rubbing his hands . ` It will be quite easy to get the king to send my brother in search of her , and if he returns without finding her , his head will be the forfeit . Either way , he will be out of MY path . ' So he went at once to the Lord High Chamberlain and craved an audience of the king , to whom he declared he wished to tell some news of the highest importance . The king admitted him into the presence chamber without delay , and bade him state what he had to say , and to be quick about it . ` Oh , sire ! the Princess Bella-Flor -- ' answered the man , and then stopped as if afraid . ` What of the Princess Bella-Flor ? ' asked the king impatiently . '
I have heard -- it is whispered at court -- that your majesty desires XXXXX know where she lies in hiding . ' '
So at by for into of than that to without