` You do n't mean to tell me that you can go on sleeping till mid-day ? ' ` That is exactly what I do mean , ' replied Hans . ` If one works in the night one must sleep in the day , just as if one works in the day one sleeps in the night . If you can find somebody else to ring the bells at midnight I am ready to begin work at dawn ; but if you want me to ring them I must go on sleeping till noon at the very earliest . ' The minister tried to argue the point with him , but at length the following agreement was come to . Hans was to give up the ringing , and was to work like the rest from sunrise to sunset , with the exception of an hour after breakfast and an hour after dinner , when he might go to sleep . ` But , of course , ' added the minister carelessly , ` it may happen now and then , especially in winter , when the days are short , that you will have to work a little longer , to get something finished . ' ` Not at all ! ' answered Hans . ` Unless I were to leave off work earlier in summer , I will not do a stroke more than I have promised , and that is from dawn to dark ; so you know what you have to expect . ' A few weeks later the minister was asked to attend a christening in the neighbouring town . He bade Hans come with him , but , as the town was only a few hours ' ride from where he lived , the minister was much surprised to see Hans come forth laden with a bag containing food . ` What are you taking that for ? ' asked the minister . ` We shall be there before dark . ' ` Who knows ? ' replied Hans . ` Many things may happen to delay our journey , and I need not remind you of our contract that the moment the sun sets I cease to be your servant . If we do n't reach the town while it is still daylight I shall leave you to shift for yourself . ' The minister thought he was joking , and made no further remark .
But when they had left the village behind them , and had ridden a few miles , they found XXXXX snow had fallen during the night , and had been blown by the wind into drifts .
If Unless at before in of than that to while