And the prince threw it , and in an instant the brush was changed into such a thick wood that even a bird could not have got through it , and when the old man got up to it the roan horse came suddenly to a stand-still , not able to advance a step into the thick tangle . So there was nothing for the magician to do but to retrace his steps , to fetch an axe , with which he cut himself a way through the wood . But it took him some time , during which the prince and the black horse got on well ahead . -LSB- Illustration : How The Magician Was Thwarted by The BRUSH -RSB- But once more they heard the sound of pursuing feet . ` Look back , ' said the black horse , ` and see if he is following . ' ` Yes , ' answered the prince , ` this time I hear him distinctly . ' ` Let us hurry on , ' said the horse . And a little later he said : ` Look back now , and see if he is in sight . ' ` Yes , ' said the prince , turning round , ' I see the flame ; he is close behind us . ' ` Then you must throw down the whip , ' answered the horse . And in the twinkling of an eye the whip was changed into a broad river . When the old man got up to it he urged the roan horse into the water , but as the water mounted higher and higher , the magic flame which gave the magician all his power grew smaller and smaller , till , with a fizz , it went out , and the old man and the roan horse sank in the river and disappeared . When the prince looked round they were no longer to be seen . ` Now , ' said the horse , ` you may dismount ; there is nothing more to fear , for the magician is dead . Beside that brook you will find a willow wand . Gather it , and strike the earth with it , and it will open and you will see a door at your feet . ' When the prince had struck the earth with the wand a door appeared , and opened into a large vaulted stone hall . ` Lead me into that hall , ' said the horse , ' I will stay there ; but you must go through the fields till you reach a garden , in the midst of which is a king 's palace . When you get there you must ask to be taken into the king 's service . Good-bye , and do n't forget me . '
So they parted ; but first the horse made the prince promise not to let anyone in the palace XXXXX his golden hair .
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