Next he drew their scarlet caps from their heads and exchanged them for the veils which the ogre 's daughters were wearing . This was hardly done when he heard steps coming along the floor , so he hid himself quickly in the folds of a curtain . There was only half of him ! The ogress came slowly and gently along , stretching out her hands before her , so that she might not fall against anything unawares , for she had only a tiny lantern slung at her waist , which did not give much light . And when she reached the place where the sisters were lying , she stooped down and held a corner of the cloth up to the lantern . Yes ! it certainly was red ! Still , to make sure that there was no mistake , she passed her hands lightly over their heads , and felt the caps that covered them . Then she was quite certain the brothers lay sleeping before her , and began to kill them one by one . And Halfman whispered to his brothers , ` Get up and run for your lives , as the ogress is killing her daughters . ' The brothers needed no second bidding , and in a moment were out of the house . By this time the ogress had slain all her daughters but one , who awoke suddenly and saw what had happened . ` Mother , what are you doing ? ' cried she . ` Do you know that you have killed my sisters ? ' ` Oh , woe is me ! ' wailed the ogress . ` Halfman has outwitted me after all ! ' And she turned to wreak vengeance on him , but he and his brothers were far away . They rode all day till they got to the town where their real uncle lived , and inquired the way to his house .
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