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Now it so happened that on this very day the queen lost her most

beautiful ring, and suspicion of having stolen it fell upon this

trusty servant, who was allowed to go everywhere. The king

ordered the man to be brought before him, and threatened with

angry words that unless he could before the morrow point out the

thief, he himself should be looked upon as guilty and executed.

In vain he declared his innocence; he was dismissed with no

better answer.

In his trouble and fear he went down into the courtyard and took

thought how to help himself out of his trouble. Now some ducks

were sitting together quietly by a brook and taking their rest;

and, whilst they were making their feathers smooth with their

bills, they were having a confidential conversation together. The

servant stood by and listened.