The imperial Prince poured in another glass of water, and the second hoop fell from the cask. A third time the voice cried from the cask, "In Heaven's name, brother, I am perishing with thirst! Give me one more glass of water!" The imperial Prince poured in a third glass, whereupon the third hoop dropped off, the cask fell asunder, and a Dragon flew out, and meeting the Empress upon the way, he carried her off as a prize. Soon her attendants came in with the news, and the unhappy imperial Prince knew not what to do for grief. He finally decided to set out once more in search of his wife, and so he wandered a long time up and down the world until he came to a sheet of water upon the border of which he saw a little Fish floundering about in a puddle. When the Fish saw the Prince he begged him earnestly: "For Heaven's sake, be a brother to me and throw me back into the water! Some day I may be of the greatest use to you. Only pull off one of my scales, and if you need my help rub it a little." The imperial Prince took up the Fish and pulled out one of its scales. He threw the Fish into the water, but the scale he wrapped up in his handkerchief. After a time, while he was still wandering about in the wide world, he came upon a Fox which was caught in a trap. When the Fox saw him he cried, "For Heaven's sake, be a brother to me and set me free from this trap! I shall soon have occasion to do you service; only take one of my hairs, and when you need my service rub it a little." So the imperial Prince took the hair and set the Fox at liberty. Later, as he was going over a high mountain, he found a Wolf in a trap. The Wolf also said to him when he saw him, "For Heaven's sake, be a brother to me and set me free. I will be your helper in time of need; only take out one of my hairs, and if you need my aid rub it a little." So the imperial Prince took the hair and set the Wolf free, and then went on his journey. After a long time he met a man, to whom he said, "In the name of Heaven, brother, have you ever heard where the Dragon-emperor's castle is?" The man cheerfully told him, even to the very moment when he would best present himself there. The imperial Prince expressed his thanks, went straight on, and at last, nearly dead with fatigue, he arrived at the Dragon's castle. He found his beloved one there, and both were overjoyed at the meeting. Then they took counsel as to the best way to attempt a flight. They finally came to a decision, and, making ready with all despatch, they mounted their horses to flee. But they had hardly left the castle when the Dragon came riding home. He entered the castle, but the Empress was gone! So he said to his horse, "What shall we do now? Shall we eat and drink comfortably, or shall we hasten after the fugitives?" The horse replied, "Eat and drink; we shall soon overtake them. That is the least of your troubles."