"Three of my treasures," said he, "have gone, and I have now only my
golden harp left. But, whoever the thief may be, he shall not have that;
I will keep that safe under twelve locks."

While these things occurred at the giant's dwelling, the boy sat on the
other side of the water, rejoicing that he had got on so well.

The most difficult task, however, had yet to be done, and for a long
time he thought over how he could get the golden harp. At length he
determined to row over to the giant's place and see if fortune would
favour him.

No sooner said than done. He rowed over and went to a hiding-place. The
giant had, however, been on the watch, and had seen him. So he rushed
forward in a terrible rage and seized the boy, saying--

"So I have caught you at last, you young rascal. You it was who stole my
sword, my three gold hens, and my gold lantern."

The boy was terribly afraid, for he thought his last hour was come.

"Spare my life, father," said he humbly, "and I will never come here
again."

"No," replied the giant, "I will do the same with you as with the
others. No one slips alive out of my hands."

He then shut the boy up in a sty, and fed him with nuts and sweet milk,
so as to get him nice and fat preparatory to killing and eating him.