` My boy , ' he said , ` you have not got quite as much sense as other people , but if Heaven has deprived you of some of your wits , it was given you a kind heart . Always listen to what it says , and take heed to the words of your mother and brothers , as well as you are able ! ' So saying the old man sank back on his pillows and died . The cries of grief uttered by Martin and Michael sounded through the house , but Jack remained by the bedside of his father , still and silent , as if he were dead also . At length he got up , and going into the garden , hid himself in some trees , and wept like a child , while his two brothers made ready for the funeral . No sooner was the old man buried than Martin and Michael agreed that they would go into the world together to seek their fortunes , while Jack stayed at home with their mother . Jack would have liked nothing better than to sit and dream by the fire , but the mother , who was very old herself , declared that there was no work for him to do , and that he must seek it with his brothers . So , one fine morning , all three set out ; Martin and Michael carried two great bags full of food , but Jack carried nothing . This made his brothers very angry , for the day was hot and the bags were heavy , and about noon they sat down under a tree and began to eat . Jack was as hungry as they were , but he knew that it was no use asking for anything ; and he threw himself under another tree , and wept bitterly . ` Another time perhaps you wo n't be so lazy , and will bring food for yourself , ' said Martin , but to his surprise Jack answered : ` You are a nice pair ! You talk of seeking your fortunes so as not to be a burden on our mother , and you begin by carrying off all the food she has in the house ! ' This reply was so unexpected that for some moments neither of the brothers made any answer . Then they offered their brother some of their food , and when he had finished eating they went their way once more . Towards evening they reached a small hut , and knocking at the door , asked if they might spend the night there . The man , who was a wood-cutter , invited them him , and begged them to sit down to supper . Martin thanked him , but being very proud , explained that it was only shelter they wanted , as they had plenty of food with them ; and he and Michael at once opened their bags and began to eat , while Jack hid himself in a corner . The wife , on seeing this , took pity on him , and called him to come and share their supper , which he gladly did , and very good he found it . At this , Martin regretted deeply that he had been so foolish as to refuse , for his bits of bread and cheese seemed very hard when he smelt the savoury soup his brother was enjoying . ` He sha n't have such a chance again , ' thought he ; and the next morning he insisted on plunging into a thick forest where they were likely to meet nobody .
For a long time they wandered hither and thither , for they had no path to guide them ; but at last they came upon a wide clearing , in the midst XXXXX which stood a castle .
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