He was very kindly received, for he was extremely good-looking and had charming manners, so he lost no time in asking for her hand and her parents gave her to him with joy. The wedding took place at once, and the feasting and rejoicings went on for a whole month. At the end of the month they set off for home, but as the journey was a long one they spent the first evening at an inn. Everyone in the house slept, and only the faithful servant kept watch. About midnight he heard three crows, who had flown to the roof, talking together. “That’s a handsome couple which arrived here tonight. It seems quite a pity they should lose their lives so soon.” “Truly,” said the second crow; “for to-morrow, when midday strikes, the bridge over the Gold Stream will break just as they are driving over it. But, listen! whoever overhears and tells what we have said will be turned to stone up to his knees.” The crows had hardly done speaking when away they flew. And close upon them followed three pigeons. “Even if the prince and princess get safe over the bridge they will perish,” said they; “for the king is going to send a carriage to meet them which looks as new as paint. But when they are seated in it a raging wind will rise and whirl the carriage away into the clouds. Then it will fall suddenly to earth, and they will be killed. But anyone who hears and betrays what we have said will be turned to stone up to his waist.” With that the pigeons flew off and three eagles took their places, and this is what they said: “If the young couple does manage to escape the dangers of the bridge and the carriage, the king means to send them each a splendid gold embroidered robe. When they put these on they will be burnt up at once. But whoever hears and repeats this will turn to stone from head to foot.” Early next morning the travellers got up and breakfasted. They began to tell each other their dreams. At last the servant said: “Gracious prince, I dreamt that if your Royal Highness would grant all I asked we should get home safe and sound; but if you did not we should certainly be lost. My dreams never deceive me, so I entreat you to follow my advice during the rest of the journey.” “Don’t make such a fuss about a dream,” said the prince; “dreams are but clouds. Still, to prevent your being anxious I will promise to do as you wish.” With that they set out on their journey. At midday they reached the Gold Stream. When they got to the bridge the servant said: “Let us leave the carriage here, my prince, and walk a little way. The town is not far off and we can easily get another carriage there, for the wheels of this one are bad and will not hold out much longer.” The prince looked well at the carriage. He did not think it looked so unsafe as his servant said; but he had given his word and he held to it.