Page:Tales from the Fjeld.djvu/366

344 look like winning the princess and the kingdom, that you do, by my troth; you, who have done naught else than grub and poke about in the ashes. No, no, you don't get any food," said the goody.

But Boots would not give in; he begged so long, that at last he got leave. As for food, he got none; was it likely? But he got by stealth two oatcakes and a drop of stale beer, and with them he trudged off from the farm.

Well, when he had walked a while he met the same old man, who was so bent and vile and wretched.

"Whither away?" asked the man.

"Oh, I'm going into the wood to build me a ship which will go as well on land as on sea; for you must know that the king has given out that the man who can build such a ship shall have the princess and half the realm."

"What have you got in your wallet?" asked the man.

"Not much to brag of," said Boots, "though it's called travelling fare."

"If you'll give me some of your food, I'll help you," said the man.

"With all my heart," said Boots; "but there's nothing but two oatcakes and a drop of stale beer."

It was all the same to him what it was, said the man, so that he got something; and he would be sure to help him.