He took his bow , and aiming an arrow at the largest wolf , shot him through the heart , and a few more arrows soon put the rest to flight . The magician was full of gratitude to his deliverer , and promised him a reward for his help if the youth would go back with him to his house . ` Indeed there is nothing that would be more welcome to me than a night 's lodging , ' answered the boy ; ' I have been wandering all day in the forest , and did not know how to get home again . ` Come with me , you must be hungry as well as tired , ' said the magician , and led the way to his house , where the guest flung himself on a bed , and went fast asleep . But his host returned to the forest to get some food , for the larder was empty . While he was absent the housekeeper went to the boy 's room and tried to wake him . She stamped on the floor , and shook him and called to him , telling him that he was in great danger , and must take flight at once . But nothing would rouse him , and if he did ever open his eyes he shut them again directly . Soon after , the magician came back from the forest , and told the housekeeper to bring them something to eat . The meal was quickly ready , and the magician called to the boy to come down and eat it , but he could not be wakened , and they had to sit down to supper without him . By-and-by the magician went out into the wood again for some more hunting , and on his return he tried afresh to waken the youth . But finding it quite impossible , he went back for the third time to the forest . While he was absent the boy woke up and dressed himself . Then he came downstairs and began to talk to the housekeeper . The girl had heard how he had saved her master 's life , so she said nothing more about his running away , but instead told him that if the magician offered him the choice of a reward , he was to ask for the horse which stood in the third stall of the stable . By-and-by the old man came back and they all sat down to dinner . When they had finished the magician said : ` Now , my son , tell me what you will have as the reward of your courage ? ' ` Give me the horse that stands in the third stall of your stable , ' answered the youth . ` For I have a long way to go before I get home , and my feet will not carry me so far . ' ` Ah !
my son , ' replied the magician , ` it is the best horse in my stable XXXXX you want !
about after as if in of on than that through