midnight
And as she is entering the bathing-house go up to her and give her a kiss , then she will follow you and you can lead her away ; but do not suffer her first to go and take leave of her parents , or it will go ill with you . '' Then the fox stretched out his tail , the king 's son seated himself upon it , and away they went over stock and stone , so that the wind whistled through their hair . And when he came to the golden castle all was as the fox had said . He waited until midnight , when all lay in deep sleep , and then as the beautiful princess went to the bathing-house he went up to her and gave her a kiss , and she willingly promised to go with him , but she begged him earnestly , and with tears , that he would let her first go and take leave of her parents . At first he denied her prayer , but as she wept so much the more , and fell at his feet , he gave in at last . And no sooner had the princess reached her father 's bedside than he , and all who were in the castle , waked up and the young man was seized and thrown into prison . The next morning the king said to him : `` Thy life is forfeit , but thou shalt find grace if thou canst level that mountain that lies before my windows , and over which I am not able to see ; and if this is done within eight days thou shalt have my daughter for a reward . ''