` Certainly , father ; how can you suppose I should do them wrong ? ' replied Martin indignantly , helping himself to all the best bits in the dish as he spoke . The old man saw nothing , but Michael looked on in surprise , and Jack was so astonished that he quite forgot to eat his own supper . A little while after , the father fell ill , and sent for his sons , who were out hunting , to bid him farewell . After giving good advice to the two eldest , he turned to Jack . ` 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 XXXXX sit down to supper .
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