Page:Tales from the Fjeld.djvu/203

Rh The man was "What was it you bought?" he asked.

"What I bought," said the man, "was not worth much. I scarcely know if I ought to show it; but I bought the first thing that was to be had, and it was a puppy."

"Now, thank you so much," said the lad. "I have always been so fond of dogs."



Next morning things went no better, up at dawn again, and he had not got well into the town before he saw the old hag with her basket.

"Good day, granny," he said.

"Good day to you, sir," she said.

"What have you got in your basket to-day?" asked the man.

"If you wish to know you had better buy it," said the old hag.

"What does it cost?" asked the man.

"Yes! she must have fourpence; she never had more than one price," she said.

So the man said he would take it; it would be hard to find anything cheaper. When he lifted the lid this time there lay a kitten in it.

When he got home the lad stood out in the yard, waiting and wondering what he should get for his wages the second year.

"Is that you, master?" he said.