I knew that we should not get off so easily , ' said the fox , shaking his head ; ` but there is no more time to waste . Let us set off at once in search of the sister . Luckily , I know the way . ' They walked on for many days , till at length the fox , who , as usual , was going first , stopped suddenly . ` The giant 's castle is not far now , ' he said , ` but when we reach it you two must remain outside while I go and fetch the princess . Directly I bring her out you must both catch hold of her tight , and get away as fast as you can ; while I return to the castle and talk to the giants -- for there are many of them -- so that they may not notice the escape of the princess . ' A few minutes later they arrived at the castle , and the fox , who had often been there before , slipped in without difficulty . There were several giants , both young and old , in the hall , and they were all dancing round the princess . As soon as they saw the fox they cried out : ` Come and dance too , old fox ; it is a long time since we have seen you . ' So the fox stood up , and did his steps with the best of them ; but after a while he stopped and said : ' I know a charming new dance that I should like to show you ; but it can only be done by two people . If the princess will honour me for a few minutes , you will soon see how it is done . ' ` Ah , that is delightful ; we want something new , ' answered they , and placed the princess between the outstretched arms of the fox . In one instant he had knocked over the great stand of lights that lighted the hall , and in the darkness had borne the princess to the gate . His comrades seized hold of her , as they had been bidden , and the fox was back again in the hall before anyone had missed him . He found the giants busy trying to kindle a fire and get some light ; but after a bit someone cried out : ` Where is the princess ? ' ` Here , in my arms , ' replied the fox . ` Do n't be afraid ; she is quite safe . ' And he waited until he thought that his comrades had gained a good start , and put at least five or six mountains between themselves and the giants . Then he sprang through the door , calling , as he went : ` The maiden is here ; take her if you can ! ' At these words the giants understood that their prize had escaped , and they ran after the fox as fast as their great legs could carry them , thinking that they should soon come up with the fox , who they supposed had the princess on his back .
The fox , on his side , was far too clever XXXXX choose the same path that his friends had taken , but would in and out of the forest , till at last even HE was tired out , and fell fast asleep under a tree .
If So for in on out over to until with