After this the prince went to bed and slept soundly . The next morning he did exactly what the maiden had told him , and led the calf with the silken thread to the meadow , where it stuck to his side like a faithful dog . By sunset , it was back again in its stall , and then came the master and said , with a frown , ` Were you really so clever yourself , or did somebody tell you what to do ? ' ` Oh , I have only my own poor head , ' answered the prince , and the old man went away growling , ' I do n't believe a word of it ! I am sure you have found some clever friend ! ' In the evening he called the prince and said : ` To-morrow I have no work for you , but when I wake you must come before my bed , and give me your hand in greeting . ' The young man wondered at this strange freak , and went laughing in search of the maiden . ` Ah , it is no laughing matter , ' sighed she . ` He means to eat you , and there is only one way in which I can help you . You must heat an iron shovel red hot , and hold it out to him instead of your hand . ' So next morning he wakened very early , and had heated the shovel before the old man was awake . At length he heard him calling , ` You lazy fellow , where are you ? Come and wish me good morning . ' But when the prince entered with the red-hot shovel his master only said , ' I am very ill to-day , and too weak even to touch your hand . You must return this evening , when I may be better . ' The prince loitered about all day , and in the evening went back to the old man 's room . He was received in the most ; friendly manner , and , to his surprise , his master exclaimed , ' I am very well satisfied with you . Come to me at dawn and bring the maiden with you . I know you have long loved each other , and I wish to make you man and wife . ' The young man nearly jumped into the air for joy , but , remembering the rules of the house , he managed to keep still .
When he told the maiden , he saw XXXXX his astonishment that she had become as white as a sheet , and she was quite dumb .
After By about before for in into of to with