At these words the youth 's heart sank , for he had never been trained either as a smith or a joiner . However , he dared not say no , but smiled and nodded . Slowly and sadly he went to bed , but he could not sleep , for wondering how the scythes were to be made . All the skill and cunning he had shown before was of no use to him now , and after thinking about the scythes for many hours , there seemed only one way open to him . So , listening to make sure that all was still , he stole away to his parents , and told them the whole story . When they had heard everything , they hid him where no one could find him . Time passed away , and the young man stayed at home doing all his parents bade him , and showing himself very different from what he had been before he went out to see the world ; but one day he said to his father that he should like to marry , and have a house of his own . ` When I served the king 's chief herdsman , ' added he , ' I saw his daughter , and I am resolved to try if I can not win her for my wife . ' ` It will cost you your life , if you do , ' answered the father , shaking his head . ` Well , I will do my best , ' replied his son ; ` but first give me the sword which hangs over your bed ! ' The old man did not understand what good the sword would do , however he took it down , and the young man went his way . Late in the evening he arrived at the house of the herdsman , and knocked at the door , which was opened by a little boy . ' I want to speak to your master , ' said he . ` So it is you ? ' cried the herdsman , when he had received the message . ` Well , you can sleep here to-night if you wish . ' ' I have come for something else besides a bed , ' replied the young man , drawing his sword , ` and if you do not promise to give me your youngest daughter as my wife I will stab you through the heart . ' What could the poor man do but promise ? And he fetched his youngest daughter , who seemed quite pleased at the proposed match , and gave the youth her hand . Then the young man went home to his parents , and bade them get ready to welcome his bride .
And when the wedding was over he told his father-in-law , the XXXXX , what he had done with the sheep , and pigs , and cattle .
day evening first herdsman hours scythes skill something son use