a single hair on its body.

'I like that very much indeed,' said the father. 'Unless the
others exert themselves to the utmost, the house will be yours.'

Soon after they saw a man driving a carriage furiously towards
them. 'Now, father, you shall see what I can do!' said the
blacksmith, and he sprang after the carriage, tore off the four
shoes of the horse as it was going at the top of its speed, and
shod it with four new ones without checking its pace.

'You are a clever fellow!' said the father, 'and know your trade
as well as your brother. I really don't know to which of you I
shall give the house.'

Then the third son said, 'Father, let me also show you
something;' and, as it was beginning to rain, he drew his sword
and swung it in cross cuts above his head, so that not a drop
fell on him, and the rain fell heavier and heavier, till at last
it was coming down like a waterspout, but he swung his sword
faster and faster, and kept as dry as if he were under cover.

When the father saw this he was astonished, and said, 'You have
produced the greatest masterpiece: the house is yours.'

Both the other brothers were quite satisfied, and praised him
too, and as they were so fond of each other they all three
remained at home and plied their trades: and as they were so
experienced and skilful they earned a great deal of money. So
they lived happily together till they were quite old, and when