` If you will let me live , ' said the fish , ` you will find on the sands to-morrow morning two beautiful horses splendidly saddled and bridled , and on them you can go through the world as knights seeking adventures . ' ` Oh dear , what nonsense ! ' exclaimed the elder ; ` and , besides , what proof have we that you are speaking the truth ? ' But again the younger brother interposed : ` Oh , do let him live ! You know if he is lying to us we can always catch him again . It is quite worth while trying . ' At last the young man gave in , and threw the fish back into the sea ; and both brothers went supperless to bed , and wondered what fortune the next day would bring . At the first streaks of dawn they were both up , and in a very few minutes were running down to the shore . And there , just as the fish had said , stood two magnificent horses , saddled and bridled , and on their backs lay suits of armour and under-dresses , two swords , and two purses of gold . ` There ! ' said the younger brother . ` Are you not thankful you did not eat that fish ? He has brought us good luck , and there is no knowing how great we may become ! Now , we will each seek our own adventures . If you will take one road I will go the other . ' ` Very well , ' replied the elder ; ` but how shall we let each other know if we are both living ? ' ` Do you see this fig-tree ? ' said the younger . ` Well , whenever we want news of each other we have only to come here and make a slit with our swords in the back . If milk flows , it is a sign that we are well and prosperous ; but if , instead of milk , there is blood , then we are either dead or in great danger . '
Then the two brothers put XXXXX their armour , buckled their swords , and pocketed their purees ; and , after taking a tender farewell of each other , they mounted their horses and went their various ways .
if in into of on that through to while with