When the king learned this he said he would forgive his offence if he would go to the next kingdom and steal the horse with the four golden shoes . To this also the prince said ` Yes . ' When he had gone a little way from the castle he met the fox , and they continued on their journey together . When they reached the end of it the prince for the third time received three grains of gold from the fox , with directions to throw one into the guard-chamber , another into the stable , and the third into the horse 's stall . But the fox told him that above the horse 's stall hung a beautiful golden saddle , which he must not touch , if he did not want to bring himself into new troubles worse than those he had escaped from , for then the fox could help him no longer . The prince promised to be firm this time . He threw the grains of gold in the proper places , and untied the horse , but with that he caught sight of the golden saddle , and thought that none but it could suit so beautiful a horse , especially as it had golden shoes . But just as he stretched out his hand to take it he received from some invisible being so hard a blow on the arm that it was made quite numb . This recalled to him his promise and his danger , so he led out the horse without looking at the golden saddle again . The fox was waiting for him outside the castle , and the prince confessed to him that he had very nearly given way to temptation this time as well . ' I know that , ' said the fox , ` for it was I who struck you over the arm . ' As they now went on together the prince said that he could not forget the beautiful princess , and asked the fox whether he did not think that she ought to ride home to his father 's palace on this horse with the golden shoes . The fox agreed that this would be excellent ; if the prince would now go and carry her off he would give him three grains of gold for that purpose . The prince was quite ready , and promised to keep better command of himself this time , and not kiss her . He got the grains of gold and entered the castle , where he carried off the princess , set her on the beautiful horse , and held on his way . When they came near to the castle where the bird Grip sat in his cage he again asked the fox for three grains of gold . These he got , and with them he was successful in carrying off the bird . He was now full of joy , for his blind father would now recover his sight , while he himself owned the world 's most beautiful princess and the horse with the golden shoes . The prince and princess travelled on together with mirth and happiness , and the fox followed them until they came to the forest where the prince first met with him . ` Here our ways part , ' said the fox .
` You have now got all that your heart desired , and you will have a prosperous journey XXXXX your father 's palace if only you do not ransom anyone 's life with money . '
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