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 So at length they contrived to induce the king to send them away once more, this time for the purpose of getting money: He who returned with the largest amount of money was to inherit the kingdom. The king assented, and the brothers departed, Peter Humbug the last, like the year before.

The two older brothers considered themselves sure of winning this time, for it takes a clever man to earn much money, and Peter could not at all boast of being clever. The oldest brother became a merchant and gained one hundred per cent. on all that he sold. The other established himself as a money-lender, extorting money from unfortunate people in a sinful manner.

Peter was not sure of what he wished to do. As he went along in deep thought he chanced to find once more the little house in the forest, where he was again received by the white cat. He stayed there all night, and next morning the cat asked him whether he was willing to stay another year on the same conditions as before. He assented, and during the whole year he washed and combed the cat three times a day, passing the remainder of his time among the trees. Time passed rapidly, and before Peter knew, the year had passed. "Now you must return home, Peter," said the cat one day; "your brothers have gone back already." Peter objected, as he had no money. "Take with you the chest which you will find in the hall," said the cat; "it contains money enough."