noon
He did not know where he was going , but he guessed that the ring did , and that if he obeyed it , he should find the Princess Goldenhair . He went on and on , not getting in the least tired , until about daylight he found himself under a great tree , and on the ground beneath it was spread a delightful breakfast , which he knew was for him . He sat down and ate it , and then got up again and went on his way once more . Before noon he had left the forest behind him , and was in a strange country . He knew it was not Stumpinghame , because the people had not large feet . But they all had sad faces , and once or twice , when he passed groups of them who were talking , he heard them speak of the Princess Goldenhair , as if they were sorry for her and could not enjoy themselves while such a misfortune rested upon her . `` So sweet and lovely and kind a princess ! ''