DANISH FAIRY AND FOLK TALES
since he could carry no chain with him. "You must do it, anyway," said the cat, "and I promise to give you a chain which is better than those of both of your brothers. Carry home the chest which you see standing in the hall, and when your brothers have showed their chains, you must open this chest, which contains a chain longer and better in every respect than all others." Peter thanked the cat, bid her good-bye, took the chest, and left the little house in the forest.
When he reached home, his brothers had already arrived. The king proceeded to ask the oldest to produce his chain. The young man opened a strong coffer and pulled out a heavy iron chain, which he tried in the place reserved for it. It held the exact measure, and was in every respect satisfactory. Then the second oldest came with his masterpiece, a copper chain, which reached twice around the palace. "Now, Peter," said the king, addressing his youngest son, "let us see what you have brought." Opening his chest, the boy drew out a very heavy chain made of pure gold, which held three times the right measure. Every one agreed with the king that Peter had done best of all, because his chain was not only the longest, but also a costly treasure.
The two older brothers were by no means content with the result of the contest. They had been sure of winning the prize, and considered Peter Humbug a poor fellow to manage a kingdom.
90
