after that they rode on together, and chanced upon a land where war and famine reigned, and the king already thought he must perish, for the scarcity was so great. then the prince went to him and gave him the loaf, wherewith he fed and satisfied the whole of his kingdom, and then the prince gave him the sword also wherewith he slew the hosts of his enemies, and could now live in rest and peace. the prince then took back his loaf and his sword, and the three brothers rode on. but after this they entered two more countries where war and famine reigned and each time the prince gave his loaf and his sword to the kings, and had now delivered three kingdoms, and after that they went on board a ship and sailed over the sea. during the passage, the two eldest conversed apart and said, "the youngest has found the water of life and not we, for that our father will give him the kingdom the kingdom which belongs to us, and he will rob us of all our fortune." they then began to seek revenge, and plotted with each other to destroy him. they waited until they found him fast asleep, then they poured the water of life out of the cup, and took it for themselves, but into the cup they poured salt sea-water. now therefore, when they arrived home, the youngest took his cup to the sick king in order that he might drink out of it, and be cured. but scarcely had he drunk a very little of the salt sea-water than he became still worse than before. and as he was lamenting over this, the two eldest brothers came, and accused the youngest of having intended to poison him, and said that they had brought him the true water of life, and handed it to him. he had scarcely tasted it, when he felt his sickness departing, and became strong and healthy as in the days of his youth. after that they both went to the youngest, mocked him, and said, "you certainly found the water of life, but you have had the pain, and we the gain; you should have been sharper, and should have kept your eyes open. we took it from you whilst you were asleep at sea, and when a year is over, one of us will go and fetch the beautiful princess. but beware that you do not disclose aught of this to our father; indeed he does not trust you, and if you say a single word, you shall lose your life into the bargain, but if you keep silent, you shall have it as a gift."