`` 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 of dust and rubbish . The gardener 's son said to him : `` What is your name , what is your family , and from what country do you come ? '' `` I am the son of the prime minister of a great nation , and yet see what a degrading occupation I am reduced to . '' `` Listen to me ; though I do n't know anything more about you , I am willing to help you . I will give you a ship to take you back to your own country upon one condition . '' `` Whatever it may be , I accept it willingly . '' `` Follow me to my palace . '' The minister 's son followed the rich stranger , whom he had not recognized . When they reached the palace the gardener 's son made a sign to his slaves , who completely undressed the new-comer .
`` Make this ring red-hot , '' commanded the master , `` and mark the man with it XXXXX his back . ''
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