HANS HUMDRUM
down, cut the traces, jumped on the horse again, and rode after the dog at a furious rate. When they reached the house the animal jumped the garden fence, and Hans followed him promptly. Unfortunately one of the horses fell and broke his leg, however, and the other ran into one of the hedge-stakes. Thus both horses were disabled. The troll, who heard the uproar, came running out, but Hans said: "I acted upon your instructions, Master. I followed the dog, and here we are. You are not angry, I hope, because both of our horses were spoiled." "Nonsense!" replied the troll; "no, I am not angry. Come in and have some dinner." He really began to be afraid of the boy who obeyed him so literally.
Hans received both dinner and supper, and the next morning he was ordered to tend the swine. There were about fifty of them, and beautiful, fat animals they were. "Let them go wherever they wish," said the troll, "even if they want to root themselves into the ground." "All right!" cried Hans, driving the swine out of the yard. When he had followed them a short distance he met a couple of men who travelled about buying up cattle and swine. The men stopped and inquired whether these animals were for sale. "To be sure they are," replied Hans, "all except the old sow yonder. She is intended for a present for our minister." Soon the price was fixed, and Hans received a sum of money, which he put into his pocket. When the
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