“Very well, my son,” replied his mother; “how long shall you be gone?”
“A year, I guess, or more or less,’ answered Billy, “depending on the time it takes. What will you give me for my journey?”
“This gold chain,” she said, “which may be of use to you; and ten pieces of gold for your purse.”
“Thank you, Mother,” said Billy.
Then he put the chain about his neck, the ten gold pieces in his purse, kissed his mother, and began to make ready for his journey.
First he went to the Old Woman of the Wood, and rapped three times on the door.
“Who ’s there?” asked the Old Woman of the Wood.
“It ’s I, Billy Bowline, going for to set out on my adventures.”
“How long shall you be gone?” asked the Old Woman.
“A year, I guess, or more or less,” replied Billy, “depending on the time it takes. What will you give me for my journey?”
“This stick,’ said the Old Woman. “Strike it on the ground to give yourself the strength and stature of a giant; wave it in the air when you wish to grow small.”
“Thank you, Old Woman of the Wood,” said Billy. And he stuck the stick in his belt and went on his way.
Presently he came to the house of Chanticleer, the White Cock, and he rapped three times on the door.
“Who ’s there?” cried the White Cock, crowing lustily.
“It ’s I, Billy Bowline, going for to set out on my adventures.”
“How long shall you be gone?” asked the White Cock.
“A year, or more or less,” replied I guess, Billy, “depending on the time it takes. What will you give me for my journey?”
“Spurs,” said the White Cock.
“Spurs!” exclaimed Billy. “For what shall I need spurs on a voyage?”
“Do you expect to sail on forever,” asked the White Cock, “and never come to land? A fine adventure that would be!”
Then Chanticleer, the White Cock, stooped165
