` Do n't be anxious , ' said the old man , throwing the stalks back into the basket ; ` just go on and carry the basket to the castle , and it will bring you luck . ' Ciccu did not much like it ; however he went on his way , and with a trembling heart rang the castle bell . ` Here are some lovely figs for the king , ' said he , ` if his majesty will graciously accept them with my humble duty . ' When the king was told that there was another man with a basket of figs he cried out , ` Oh , have him in , have him in ! I suppose it is a wager ! ' But Ciccu uncovered the basket , and there lay a pile of beautiful ripe figs . And the king was delighted , and emptied them himself on the silver dish , and gave five florins to Ciccu , and offered besides to take him into his service . Ciccu accepted gratefully , but said he must first return home and give the five florins to his brothers . When he got home Peppe spoke : ` Now we will see what we each have got from the king . I myself received from him fifty lashes . ' ` And I a hundred and fifty , ' added Alfin . ` And I five florins and some sweets , which you can divide between you , for the king has taken me into his service . ' Then Ciccu went back to the Court and served the king , and the king loved him . The other two brothers heard that Ciccu had become quite an important person , and they grew envious , and thought how they could put him to shame . At last they came to the king and said to him , ' O king ! your palace is beautiful indeed , but to be worthy of you it lacks one thing -- the sword of the Man-eater . ' ` How can I get it ? ' asked the king . ` Oh , Ciccu can get it for you ; ask him . ' So the king sent for Ciccu and said to him , ` Ciccu , you must at any price manage to get the sword of the Man-eater . '
Ciccu was very much surprised at this sudden command , and he walked thoughtfully away to the stables and began to stroke his favourite horse , saying to himself , ` Ah , my pet , we must bid each other good-bye , for the king has sent me away to get the sword XXXXX the Maneater . '
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