the palace the housekeeper gave him leave.

When he got beyond the town he took out his golden apple, and
when the horse sprang out he swung himself into the saddle. Then
he took the silver and the copper apples, and with all these fine
soldiers he joined the king's army.

The king saw them approach with fear in his heart, for he did not
know if it might not be an enemy; but the prince rode up, and
bowed low before him. 'I bring your Majesty reinforcements,' said
he.

The king was delighted, and all dread of his enemy at once
disappeared. The princesses were there too, and they were very
friendly with the prince and begged him to get into their carriage so
as to talk to them. But he declined, and remained on horseback, as
he did not know at what moment the battle might begin; and whilst
they were all talking together the youngest princess, who was also
the loveliest, took off her ring, and her sister tore her handkerchief
in two pieces, and they gave these gifts to the prince.

Suddenly the enemy came in sight. The king asked whether his
army or the prince's should lead the way; but the prince set off first
and with his hussars he fought so bravely that only two of the
enemy were left alive, and these two were only spared to act as
messengers.

The king was overjoyed and so were his daughters at this brilliant
victory. As they drove home they begged the prince to join them,
but he would not come, and galloped off with his hussars.