The youngest son , as was his custom , went to the pond , and called on the frog to come to his rescue . In a minute she was at his side , bringing with her the most lovely little dog , which she put into his arms . It sat up and begged with its paws , and went through the prettiest tricks , and was almost human in the way it understood and did what it was told . In high spirits the youth carried it off to his mother . As soon as she saw it , she exclaimed : ` This is the most beautiful little dog I have ever seen . You are indeed fortunate , my son ; you have won a pearl of a wife . ' Then , turning to the others , she said : ` Here are three shirts ; take them to your chosen wives . Whoever sews the best will be my favourite daughter-in-law . ' So the young men set out once more ; and again , this time , the work of the frog was much the best and the neatest . This time the mother said : ` Now that I am content with the tests I gave , I want you to go and fetch home your brides , and I will prepare the wedding-feast . ' You may imagine what the youngest brother felt on hearing these words . Whence was he to fetch a bride ? Would the frog be able to help him in this new difficulty ? With bowed head , and feeling very sad , he sat down on the edge of the pond . Flop ! and once more the faithful frog was beside him . ` What is troubling you so much ? ' she asked him , and then the youth told her everything . ` Will you take me for a wife ? ' she asked .
` What should I do XXXXX you as a wife , ' he replied , wondering at her strange proposal .
So as at beside into on that through to with