but i must once more tell of the king and queen, who had journeyed forth with the count in order to seek out the old woman in the wilderness. the count had strayed away from them in the wood by night, and had to walk onwards alone. next day it seemed to him that he was on the right track. he still went forward, until darkness came on, then he climbed a tree, intending to pass the night there, for he feared that he might lose his way. when the moon illumined the surrounding country he perceived a figure coming down the mountain. she had no stick in her hand, but yet he could see that it was the goose-girl, whom he had seen before in the house of the old woman. "oho," cried he, "there she comes, and if i once get hold of one of the witches, the other shall not escape me!" but how astonished he was, when she went to the well, took off the skin and washed herself, when her golden hair fell down all about her, and she was more beautiful than any one whom he had ever seen in the whole world. he hardly dared to breathe, but stretched his head as far forward through the leaves as he dared, and stared at her.