lead you through the midst of the army so that no one shall catch
you.' 'We have no choice, and must take your offer,' said they.
Then the dragon seized them in his claws, took them through the
air over the army, and set them down on the earth a long way from
it.

He gave them a little whip, saying, 'Whip and slash with this,
and as much money as you want will jump up before you. You can
then live as great lords, keep horses, and drive about in
carriages. But after seven years you are mine.' Then he put a
book before them, which he made all three of them sign. 'I will
then give you a riddle,' he said; 'if you guess it, you shall be
free and out of my power.' The dragon then flew away, and they
journeyed on with their little whip. They had as much money as
they wanted, wore grand clothes, and made their way into the
world. Wherever they went they lived in merrymaking and
splendour, drove about with horses and carriages, ate and drank,
but did nothing wrong.

The time passed quickly away, and when the seven years were
nearly ended two of them grew terribly anxious and frightened,
but the third made light of it, saying, 'Don't be afraid,
brothers, I wasn't born yesterday; I will guess the riddle.'

They went into a field, sat down, and the two pulled long faces.
An old woman passed by, and asked them why they were so sad.
'Alas! what have you to do with it? You cannot help us.' 'Who
knows?' she answered. 'Only confide your trouble in me.'

Then they told her that they had become the servants of the