` Now pull me up . ' ` Are you sure it is secure ? ' ` Yes , quite sure . ' ` Do n't be afraid . ' ` Oh , I am not afraid at all ! ' So Halfman slowly drew her up , and when she was near the top he let go the rope , and she fell down and broke her neck . Then Halfman heaved a great sigh and said , ` That was hard work ; the rope has hurt my hands badly , but now I am rid of her for ever . ' So Halfman came down from the tower , and went on , till he got to a desert place , and as he was very tired , he lay down to sleep . While it was still dark , an ogress passed by , and she woke him and said , ` Halfman , to-morrow your brother is to marry your wife . ' ` Oh , how can I stop it ? ' asked he . ` Will you help me ? ' ` Yes , I will , ' replied the ogress . ` Thank you , thank you ! ' cried Halfman , kissing her on the forehead . ` My wife is dearer to me than anything else in the world , and it is not my brother 's fault that I am not dead long ago . ' ` Very well , I will rid you of him , ' said the ogress , ` but only on one condition . If a boy is born to you , you must give him to me ! ' ` Oh , anything , ' answered Halfman , ` as long as you deliver me from my brother , and get me my wife . ' ` Mount on my back , then , and in a quarter of an hour we shall be there . '
The ogress was XXXXX good as her word , and in a few minutes they arrived at the outskirts of the town where Halfman and his brothers lived .
If While as at in on than that till to