as the second son also remained away, the youngest begged to be allowed to go forth to fetch the water, and at last the king was obliged to let him go. when he met the dwarf and the latter asked him whither he was going in such haste, he stopped, gave him an explanation, and said, "i am seeking the water of life, for my father is sick unto death." "dost thou know, then, where that is to be found?" "no," said the prince. "as thou hast borne thyself as is seemly, and not haughtily like thy false brothers, i will give thee the information and tell thee how thou mayst obtain the water of life. it springs from a fountain in the courtyard of an enchanted castle, but thou wilt not be able to make thy way to it, if i do not give thee an iron wand and two small loaves of bread.