“But then, why doesn’t she ask it herself how to get away?” “The heart is of no use to any one but a man,” said the fish. “And I suppose no man has ever been here?” “Two or three have come sailing by; one who came was anxious to help the Princess, but, as she was about to throw him the Golden Heart, she told him that if he took it he would have to face as much trouble as a man could bear. So he would not have it and sailed away. But that was years ago—and now, we really can’t stay here any longer, nor do any good if we do—let us be off.” And he swam away. The little boy would have liked to stay and speak to the Princess and his eyes were full of tears. “What are you sniffling at behind there?” exclaimed the fish, who was getting rather tired of his load. “I am so sorry for her!” he sobbed. “Dear! Dear! If you cry for all the troubles you see, you will have enough to do; try to think of something else, and, for goodness’ sake, strike out a little with your legs and help me along—I have to do all the work.” The little boy was so frightened when he heard this that he kicked out with might and main for fear that his protector should shake him off. When evening was coming on and when they had travelled some distance, they saw a large ship; as she approached, the fish suggested that they should swim alongside, and the little boy was charmed with the idea. They saw that the sails were embroidered with gold and silver, and that, on the prow, there was an immense carved crown glittering with precious stones. Closer and closer she came till they were almost touching her. A man was looking over the bulwark into the water; he was young and very richly dressed, and a sword hung at his side. Over his face was a black mask which hid it completely, leaving only the mouth visible. “There!” remarked the fish, “look at that man. That is another wonderful sight. He is young and rich and a king’s son, but he chooses to sail about by himself. He is so ugly that he wears a mask day and night and never takes it off, and he roams about on the high seas so that he need see none but his own crew who love him so much that they would go with him anywhere.” “What a pity,” said the little boy, wondering. “He looks very nice standing up there with those beautiful clothes on. And I can see his mouth; it does not look so very ugly.” “It’s simply enormous,” replied the fish. “Oh, I don’t think so—really,” answered the little boy, “it isn’t any bigger than yours, you know.” “That’s neither here nor there,” said the fish; “and don’t pull my tail so. You hold it so clumsily that I can hardly move.” “I wish I could see him nearer,” continued the little boy, lost in admiration of the figure above him, “I’ve never seen any one like him.” “You haven’t seen much,” answered the fish, who had not been best pleased by the allusion to his mouth, “now come along.” “Oh, wait a minute, do, please! He’s looking at us.” The Prince was gazing over the bulwark at them.