Then the mare pulled a little forward again , and it moved with such difficulty that the Governor had not the least idea that this was the Master Thief . He rode straight up to him , and asked if he had seen anyone hiding anywhere about in a wood that was close by . ` No , ' said the man , ` that have I not . ' ` Hark you , ' said the Governor . ` If you will ride into that wood , and search it carefully to see if you can light upon a fellow who is hiding in there , you shall have the loan of my horse and a good present of money for your trouble . ' ' I am not sure that I can do it , ' said the man , ` for I have to go to a wedding with this cask of mead which I have been to fetch , and the tap has fallen out on the way , so now I have to keep my finger in the tap-hole as I drive . ' ` Oh , just ride off , ' said the Governor , ` and I will look after the cask and the horse too . ' So the man said that if he would do that he would go , but he begged the Governor to be very careful to put his finger into the tap-hole the moment he took his out . So the Governor said that he would do his very best , and the Master Thief got on the Governor 's horse . But time passed , and it grew later and later , and still the man did not come back , and at last the Governor grew so weary of keeping his finger in the tap-hole that he took it out . ` Now I shall have ten dollars more ! ' cried the old woman inside the cask ; so he soon saw what kind of mead it was , and set out homewards . When he had gone a very little way he met his servant bringing him the horse , for the Master Thief had already taken it home . The following day he went to the Governor and wanted to have his daughter according to promise . But the Governor again put him off with fine words , and only gave him three hundred dollars , saying that he must do one more masterpiece of skill , and if he were but able to do that he should have her . Well , the Master Thief thought he might if he could hear what it was . ` Do you think you can steal the sheet off our bed , and my wife 's night-gown ? ' said the Governor . ` That is by no means impossible , ' said the Master Thief . ' I only wish I could get your daughter as easily . '
So late at night the Master Thief went and cut down a thief who was hanging on the gallows , laid him on his own shoulders , and took him away XXXXX him .
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