at that she began to cry again , and told the king 's son all that had befallen her since the death of her mother . ' i can not come down with you , for i do not like anyone to see me , ' she ended with a sob . ' oh ! i will manage all that , ' said the king 's son , and swinging himself to a lower branch , he bade his slave go quickly into the town , and bring back with him four strong men and a curtained litter . when the man was gone , the girl climbed down , and hid herself on the ground in some bushes . very soon the slave returned with the litter , which was placed on the ground close to the bushes where the girl lay . ' now go , all of you , and call my attendants , for i do not wish to say here any longer , ' he said to the men , and as soon as they were out of sight he bade the girl get into the litter , and fasten the curtains tightly . then he got in on the other side , and waited till his attendants came up . ' what is the matter , o son of a king ? ' asked they , breathless with running . ' i think i am ill ; i am cold , ' he said , and signing to the bearers , he drew the curtains , and was carried through the forest right inside his own house . ' tell my father and mother that i have a fever , and want some gruel , ' said he , ' and bid them send it quickly . ' 
he was hiding the girl in the litter .
why did the prince pretend he was unwell ?
why did the prince pretend he was unwell ?