then hans the hedgehog got down the tree with the cock, and told the aged king that he would show him the way, if he would give him for his own whatsoever first met him in front of his royal palace. the king said, "yes," and wrote a promise to hans the hedgehog that he should have this. that done, hans rode on before him on the cock, and pointed out the way, and the king reached his kingdom again in safety. when he got to the courtyard, there were great rejoicings. now he had an only daughter who was very beautiful; she ran to meet him, threw her arms round his neck, and was delighted to have her old father back again.