They appointed a time when they were to return home , and then they all set out . It so happened that each found a good master , where he learnt all that was necessary for his trade in the best possible way . The blacksmith had to shoe the king 's horses , and thought to himself , ` Without doubt the house will be yours ! ' The barber shaved the best men in the kingdom , and he , too , made sure that the house would be his . The fencing-master received many a blow , but he set his teeth , and would not allow himself to be troubled by them , for he thought to himself , ` If you are afraid of a blow you will never get the house . ' When the appointed time had come the three brothers met once more , and they sat down and discussed the best opportunity of showing off their skill . Just then a hare came running across the field towards them . ` Look ! ' said the barber , ` here comes something in the nick of time ! ' seized basin and soap , made a lather whilst the hare was approaching , and then , as it ran at full tilt , shaved its moustaches , without cutting it or injuring a single hair on its body . ' I like that very much indeed , ' said the father . ` Unless the others exert themselves to the utmost , the house will be yours . ' Soon after they saw a man driving a carriage furiously towards them . ` Now , father , you shall see what I can do ! ' said the blacksmith , and he sprang after the carriage , tore off the four shoes of the horse as it was going at the top of its speed , and shod it with four new ones without checking its pace . ` You are a clever fellow ! ' said the father , ` and know your trade as well as your brother . I really do n't know to which of you I shall give the house . ' Then the third son said , ` Father , let me also show you something ; ' and , as it was beginning to rain , he drew his sword and swung it in cross cuts above his head , so that not a drop fell on him , and the rain fell heavier and heavier , till at last it was coming down like a waterspout , but he swung his sword faster and faster , and kept as dry as if he were under cover . When the father saw this he was astonished , and said , ` You have produced the greatest masterpiece : the house is yours . '
Both the other brothers were quite satisfied , and praised him too , and as they were so fond of each other they all three remained at home and plied their trades : and as they were so experienced and skilful they earned a great deal XXXXX money .
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