Into this the hare flew with the prince at his heels , when , lo ! instead of the hare , there stood a dragon breathing fire and flame ; and out shot a fiery tongue which coiled round the prince 's waist , and lifted him straight into the dragon 's mouth , and he was seen no more . Days went by , and the emperor waited and waited for the sons who never came , and could not sleep at night for wondering where they were and what had become of them . His youngest son wished to go in search of his brothers , but for long the emperor refused to listen to him , lest he should lose him also . But the prince prayed so hard for leave to make the search , and promised so often that he would be very cautious and careful , that at length the emperor gave him permission , and ordered the best horse in the stables to be saddled for him . Full of hope the young prince started on his way , but no sooner was he outside the city walls than a hare sprang out of the bushes and ran before him , till they reached the mill . As before , the animal dashed in through the open door , but this time he was not followed by the prince . Wiser than his brothers , the young man turned away , saying to himself : ` There are as good hares in the forest as any that have come out of it , and when I have caught them , I can come back and look for you . ' For many hours he rode up and down the mountain , but saw nothing , and at last , tired of waiting , he went back to the mill . Here he found an old woman sitting , whom he greeted pleasantly . ` Good morning to you , little mother , ' he said ; and the old woman answered : ` Good morning , my son . ' ` Tell me , little mother , ' went on the prince , ` where shall I find my hare ? ' ` My son , ' replied the old woman , ` that was no hare , but a dragon who has led many men hither , and then has eaten them all . ' At these words the prince 's heart grew heavy , and he cried , ` Then my brothers must have come here , and have been eaten by the dragon ! ' ` You have guessed right , ' answered the old woman ; ` and I can give you no better counsel than to go home at once , before the same fate overtakes you . ' ` Will you not come with me out of this dreadful place ? ' said the young man . ` He took me prisoner , too , ' answered she , ` and I can not shake off his chains . ' ` Then listen to me , ' cried the prince . ` When the dragon comes back , ask him where he always goes when he leaves here , and what makes him so strong ; and when you have coaxed the secret from him , tell me the next time I come . '
So the prince went home , and the old woman remained XXXXX the mill , and as soon as the dragon returned she said to him : ` Where have you been all this time -- you must have travelled far ? '
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