Then he saw the first dragon--a huge, slimy creature, all yellow and green, with great red claws, and a tail which seemed to Charming to be nearly a mile long. Charming turned back and called to Frisk. "Dear Frisk," he said sadly, "I know I shall never see the light of day again if I enter this cavern. Wait here for me until nightfall; then, if I have not come back, go and tell the Princess that I have lost my life trying to win for her eternal youth and beauty. Then tell the King that I did my best for him, but failed." Charming turned again to attack the dragon. "Wait a minute, Charming!" Charming looked around to see who spoke these words. "It's I, Charming, the owl you rescued from the net the fowlers set for us poor birds. Let me take Goldenlocks' flask, and I will fetch the water for you. I know every turn of that dark cavern, and the dragons will not notice whether I pass them or not." And the owl took the flask out of Charming's hand, fluttered into the cavern, and disappeared. "Here you are, Charming. You see I did not forget your kindness to me." With these words the owl handed to Charming the flask full of water from the magic spring. Charming was so happy that he could hardly find words to thank the owl. He rode straight to Goldenlocks with the wonderful liquid. "Beautiful Goldenlocks, here is the water you asked me to get for you. My mind cannot conceive of anything, however, which would add to your beauty. I do know, however, something which would add to your happiness. I have found your ring, slain your enemy, brought you the secret of youth and health; now will you not come with me to my King, who loves you so much that he will make you the happiest woman on earth?" "Yes," said Goldenlocks, softly. Her answer really surprised Charming very much, because he had come to think that she would never cease to find new tasks for him to perform. She gave orders at once for the necessary preparations for the journey, and in a few days she and Charming and little Frisk set out for home, with a great retinue of servants, of course. The King greeted them with the greatest enthusiasm. He proclaimed a holiday throughout his kingdom, and every one feasted and danced. But, strange to say, the Princess Goldenlocks found herself daily thinking more and more, not of the King, but of Charming. One day Charming found himself once more in prison, bound hand and foot. The King thought this would be a good way to rid himself of his rival. Goldenlocks used to beg the King to set Charming free, but that only made things worse. Little Frisk was Charming's only comfort; he used to take him all the court news. "Maybe," said the King to himself one day, "the reason Goldenlocks prefers Charming to me is that I am not beautiful enough to suit her. I believe I will try some of that water of eternal beauty and health that she is always talking about."