FAIRY TALES 213
knows that you are here and he is coming ashore.”
The prince turned; he could see no boat on the water—but far out at sea was a whale spout- ing and coming toward the shore.
“There is my husband,” she said. “When he goes out to sea he takes the form of a whale. When he comes ashore he will become a man.”
The prince was frightened, and begged his sister to hide him; but she told him that her husband would do him no harm. Soon he saw coming toward them from the shore a fine look— ing man, who called him brother-in-law, and gave him a cordial welcome.
The prince stayed with his sister several days, and then he said he must start off in search of his second sister. His brother of- fered him money, but he said he had no need of money. When the time came for him to go, the brother walked with him; and as he said good— bye, he put into the prince’s hand a fish-scale.
“If you ever need me,” he said, “heat this fish-scale, and I will at once come to your as- sistance.”
The prince took the fish—scale and started upon his journey. When no one could see him, he put on the magical coat that would make him in- visible, and the shoes of swiftness.
“Take me to the home of my second sister,” he commanded the shoes of swiftness.