Page:Danish fairy and folk tales.djvu/46

 The first question was: "How long will it take me to make a voyage around the world?" "May I take time to consider?" asked the shepherd. The time was granted him, and in a little while he said: "If your Majesty follow the sun, it will take only twenty-four hours." "That is well enough," said the king, "but can you tell me how much I am worth in my full equipment?" The shepherd answered: "Our Saviour was sold for thirty pieces of silver, therefore your Majesty cannot be worth more than twenty-nine." This answer was also well received; but at last the king said: "Now I shall ask the third question, and you must have no time for consideration. Can you tell me what I am thinking?" "Yes," replied the shepherd; "your Majesty thinks you are speaking to the miller; but I am only his shepherd."

The king at once declared himself satisfied, and the miller escaped further trouble.