Page:Tales from the Fjeld.djvu/306

284 went to the pigsty to a pig whom he had known out on the common, and ever since had been the best friends with.

"Good day," said the sheep, "and thanks for our last merry meeting."

"Good day," answered the pig, "and the same to you."

"Do you know," said the sheep, "why it is you are so well off, and why it is they fatten you, and take such pains with you?"

"No, I don't," said the pig.

"Many a flask empties the cask; I suppose you know that," said the sheep. "They are going to kill and eat you."

"Are they?" said the pig; "well, I hope they'll say grace after meat."

"If you will do as I do," said the sheep, "we'll go off to the wood, build us a house, and set up for ourselves. A home is a home, be it ever so homely."

Yes, the pig was willing enough. "Good company is such a comfort," he said, and so the two set off.

So when they had gone a bit they met a goose.

"Good day, good sirs, and thanks for our last merry meeting," said the goose; "whither away so fast to-day?"

"Good day, and the same to you," said the sheep; "you must know we were too well off at home, and so we are going to set up for ourselves in the wood, for you know every man's house is his castle."

"Well," said the goose, "it's much the same with me where I am. Can't I go with you too? for it's child's play when three share the day."