In the morning I arose with a light heart. In order that the doublet might be near me, I put it on; and during the day three accidents proved its quality. First, a hot iron with which I was pressing my spangled coat slipped from my right hand and came down squarely on my left, and I felt no pain whatever. Next, a needle pricked my finger, and I was aware of no inconvenience. And last, as I was standing in the doorway, some wicked boys, with whom I was never a favorite, hurled a stone at me, striking me violently on the temple; but its effect was no more than that of a soft cushion. Undoubtedly the unicorn’s hair was the authentic thread. At nightfall, after I had put up my shutters, I stored the doublet secretly away, and was making ready to go to bed, when a knock sounded at the door, and I admitted the Prince’s friend, smiling and gracious as before. He looked inquiringly at me. I bowed and smiled. “Yes,” I said, “the work is done.” “The thread?” he cried. “I have it, never fear! The work is done.” He was in a state of great excitement. “Come!” he cried. “The carriage is at the door. Bring it with you. Hurry!” In a moment I was in his carriage, with a bundle under my arm. We stopped at the same place as before, and reached by the same route the room where I had first seen the Prince and his daughter. They arose in agitation as I came in, and at a joyful signal from my companion came forward and grasped my hands. Truly the lady was more beautiful than I had dreamed. “You have succeeded?” said the Prince. “I have!” said I. “Your deliverance is assured!” And I described the accidents from which the doublet had protected me that day. “Let us sit down,” said the Prince; and when we were all seated, with fruit and wine before us, he begged me to tell my story. I told as much as I thought fit, omitting any mention of the old woman. The Prince desired to see the doublet. With my left hand I placed in his left the package I had brought with me. He opened it and held up the contents. Alas, it was not the doublet at all, but some indifferent garment intended for another client! He looked at me in amazement. I was covered with confusion, and begged him to overlook my carelessness. He listened coldly. “You will bring the doublet here to-morrow,” he said sternly. “That is understood,” I said. “Meanwhile,” I went on, fortifying myself with another glass of the perfumed wine, “we may as well discuss the question of my reward.” “That,” said the Prince, “is already settled.” “The case is altered,” I said. “If I had known what lay before me, I could have made more fitting terms; but I was in the dark; the dangers and exertions of my existence since then have changed the case completely. I am sure that you do not wish to deal with me unjustly. Think what my service means to you! In your place, I should think nothing too precious for my deliverer.” A dark frown came over the Prince’s face. “What is it you demand?” said he.