When he got near the town he packed his soldiers and his fine horse
all carefully into the apple again, and then strolled into the town.
On his return to the palace he was well scolded by the housekeeper
for staying away so long.

Well, the whole matter might have ended there; but it so happened
that the younger princess had fallen in love with the prince, as he
had with her. And as he had no jewels with him, he gave her the
copper apple and staff.

One day, as the princesses were talking with their father, the
younger one asked him whether it might not have been their servant
who had helped him so much. The king was quite angry at the idea;
but, to satisfy her, he ordered the servant's room to be searched.
And there, to everyone's surprise, they found the golden ring and
the half of the handkerchief. When these were brought to the king
he sent for the prince at once and asked if it had been he who had
come to their rescue.

'Yes, your Majesty, it was I,' answered the prince.

'But where did you get your army?'

'If you wish to see it, I can show it you outside the city walls.'

And so he did; but first he asked for the copper apple from the
younger princess, and when all the soldiers were drawn up there
were such numbers that there was barely room for them.