So Halfman got down and filled a skin with water , and they drew it up by a rope and drank . When they had done drinking , Halfman , who was standing in the middle of the stream , called out : ` Throw me the rope and draw me up , for I can not get out alone . ' And the brothers threw him a rope to draw him up the steep bank ; but when he was half-way up they cut the rope , and he fell back into the stream . Then the brothers rode away as fast as they could , with his bride . Halfman sank down under the water from the force of the fall , but before he touched the bottom a fish came and said to him , ` Fear nothing , Halfman ; I will help you . ' And the fish guided him to a shallow place , so that he scrambled out . On the way it said to him , ` Do you understand what your brothers , whom you saved from death , have done to you ? ' ` Yes ; but what am I to do ? ' asked Halfman . ` Take one of my scales , ' said the fish , ` and when you find yourself in danger , throw it in the fire . Then I will appear before you . ' ` Thank you , ' said Halfman , and went his way , while the fish swam back to its home . The country was strange to Halfman , and he wandered about without knowing where he was going , till he suddenly found the ogress standing before him . ` Ah , Halfman , have I got you at last ? You killed my daughters and helped your brothers to escape . What do you think I shall do with you ? ' ` Whatever you like ! ' said Halfman . ` Come into my house , then , ' said the ogress , and he followed her . ` Look here ! '
she called to her husband , ' I have got hold of XXXXX .
Halfman bottom death escape fire fish force home house middle