But Jose only answered : ` We shall find plenty of bran where we are going . ' And the horse galloped on . They were now passing through a forest , and the princess took out her handkerchief and threw it upwards , so that it stuck in one of the topmost branches of a tree . ` Dear me ; how stupid ! I have let my handkerchief blow away , ' said she . ` Will you climb up and get it for me ? ' But Jose answered : ` We shall find plenty of handkerchiefs where we are going . ' And the horse galloped on . After the wood they reached a river , and the princess slipped a ring off her finger and let it roll into the water . ` How careless of me , ' gasped she , beginning to sob . ' I have lost my favourite ring ; DO stop for a moment and look if you can see it . ' But Jose answered : ` You will find plenty of rings where you are going . ' And the horse galloped on . At last they entered the palace gates , and the king 's heart bounded with joy at beholding his beloved Princess Bella-Flor . But the princess brushed him aside as if he had been a fly , and locked herself into the nearest room , which she would not open for all his entreaties . ` Bring me the three things I lost on the way , and perhaps I may think about it , ' was all she would say . And , in despair , the king was driven to take counsel of Jose . ` There is no remedy that I can see , ' said his majesty , ` but that you , who know where they are , should go and bring them back . And if you return without them I will have you drowned . ' Poor Jose was much troubled at these words .
He thought that he had done all that was required XXXXX him , and that his life was safe .
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