A thick wood lay in front of him , and , fastening the bridle tightly to a tree , he flung himself on his hands and knees and began to hunt for the treasure . Many time he fancied it was close to him , and many times it turned out to be something else ; but , at last , when light was fading , and he had almost given up hope , he came upon a large bed of the plant , right under his feet ! Trembling with joy , he picked every scrap he could see , and placed it in his wallet . Then , mounting his horse , he galloped quickly back towards the city . It was night when he entered the gates , and the fifteen days allotted were not up till the next day . His eyes were heavy with sleep , and his body ached with the long strain , but , without pausing to rest , he kindled a fire on is hearth , and quickly filling a pot with water , threw in the herbs and left them to boil . After that he lay down and slept soundly . The sun was shining when he awoke , and he jumped up and ran to the pot . The plant had disappeared and in its stead was a thick syrup , just as the book had said there would be . He lifted the syrup out with a spoon , and after spreading it in the sun till it was partly dry , poured it into a small flask of crystal . He next washed himself thoroughly , and dressed himself , in his best clothes , and putting the flask in his pocket , set out for the palace , and begged to see the king without delay . Now Balancin , whose foot had been much less painful since Gilguerillo had wrapped it in the plaster , was counting the days to the young man 's return ; and when he was told Gilguerillo was there , ordered him to be admitted at once . As he entered , the king raised himself eagerly on his pillows , but his face fell when he saw no signs of a slipper . ` You have failed , then ? ' he said , throwing up his hands in despair . ' I hope not , your majesty ; I think not , ' answered the youth . And drawing the flask from his pocket , he poured two or three drops on the wound . ` Repeat this for three nights , and you will find yourself cured , ' said he . And before the king had time to thank him he had bowed himself out . Of course the news soon spread through the city , and men and women never tired of calling Gilguerillo an impostor , and prophesying that the end of the three days would see him in prison , if not on the scaffold .
But Gilguerillo paid no heed to their hard words , and no more did the king , who took care XXXXX no hand but his own should put on the healing balsam .
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