continued the voice , ` fear nothing ! I am the son of a rich merchant , and desire above all things to have you for my wife . And in order to get to you I have hidden myself in this golden lion . ' ` What use is that ? ' she asked . ` For if you can not pick me out from among my companions you will still lose your head . ' ' I look to you to help me , ' he said . ' I have done so much for you that you might do this one thing for me . ' ` Then listen to me . On the eighth day I will tie a white sash round my waist , and by that you will know me . ' The next morning the king came very early to fetch the lion , as the old woman was already at the palace asking for it . When they were safe from view she let the young man out , and he returned to the king and told him that he wished to find the princess . ` Very good , ' said the king , who by this time was almost tired of repeating the same words ; ` but if you fail your head will be the forfeit . ' So the youth remained quietly in the castle , eating and looking at all the beautiful things around him , and every now and then pretending to be searching busily in all the closets and corners . On the eighth day he entered the room where the king was sitting . ` Take up the floor in this place , ' he said . The king gave a cry , but stopped himself , and asked , ` What do you want the floor up for ? There is nothing there . ' But as all his courtiers were watching him he did not like to make any more objections , and ordered the floor to be taken up , as the young man desired . The youth then want straight down the staircase till he reached the door ; then he turned and demanded that the key should be brought .
So the king was forced to unlock the door , and the next and the next and the next , till all seven were open , and they entered into the hall where the twelve maidens were standing all XXXXX a row , so like that none might tell them apart .
On So around at by for in of that to