And he went towards his room , where the maiden met him . ` To morrow I have got an idiot 's work , ' said he ; ` nothing but to take the white-headed calf to the meadow . ' ` Oh , you unlucky being ! ' sighed she . ` Do you know that this calf is so swift that in a single day he can run three times round the world ? Take heed to what I tell you . Bind one end of this silk thread to the left fore-leg of the calf , and the other end to the little toe of your left foot , so that the calf will never be able to leave your side , whether you walk , stand , or lie . ' 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 XXXXX the red-hot shovel his master only said , ' I am very ill to-day , and too weak even to touch your hand .
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