as soon as the cat received the ring, she started back with the dog to go and tell their master the good tidings. all seemed safe now. they had only to give the ring to him, and he would speak to it, and the house and beautiful princess would again be with them, and everything would go on as happily as before. "how glad master will be!" they thought, and ran as fast as their legs could carry them. now, on the way they had to cross a stream. the dog swam, and the cat sat on its back. now the dog was jealous of the cat, so he asked for the ring, and threatened to throw the cat into the water if it did not give it up; whereupon the cat gave up the ring. sorry moment, for the dog at once dropped it, and a fish swallowed it.