` You poor thing ! how can you repay me ? ' asked the prince . ` You have forgotten , ' answered the wild duck , ` the proverb that runs , `` mountain and mountain can never meet , but one living creature can always come across another . '' ' The boy laughed at this speech and went his way . He had not wandered far from the shores of the lake , when he noticed a stork standing on one leg , and again he raised his bow and prepared to take aim . ` Do not shoot , I pray you , noble prince , ' cried the stork ; ' I have two little sons at home ; they will die of hunger if I am not there to bring them food . ' Again the prince was filled with pity , and this time also he did not shoot . ` Oh , prince , I will repay your deed of mercy , ' cried the stork . ` You poor stork ! how can you repay me ? ' asked the prince . ` You have forgotten , ' answered the stork , ` the proverb that runs , `` mountain and mountain can never meet , but one living creature can always come across another . '' ' The boy laughed at hearing these words again , and walked slowly on . He had not gone far , when he fell in with two discharged soldiers . ` Where are you going , little brother ? ' asked one . ' I am seeking work , ' answered the prince . ` So are we , ' replied the soldier . ` We can all go together . '
The boy was glad of company and they went on , and on , and XXXXX , through seven kingdoms , without finding anything they were able to do .
across at from lake mountain of on stork to with