Adapted from the Portuguese . The One-Handed Girl An old couple once lived in a hut under a grove of palm trees , and they had one son and one daughter . They were all very happy together for many years , and then the father became very ill , and felt he was going to die . He called his children to the place where he lay on the floor -- for no one had any beds in that country -- and said to his son , ' I have no herds of cattle to leave you -- only the few things there are in the house -- for I am a poor man , as you know . But choose : will you have my blessing or my property ? ' ` Your property , certainly , ' answered the son , and his father nodded . ` And you ? ' asked the old man of the girl , who stood by her brother . ' I will have blessing , ' she answered , and her father gave her much blessing . That night he died , and his wife and son and daughter mourned for him seven days , and gave him a burial according to the custom of his people . But hardly was the time of mourning over , than the mother was attacked by a disease which was common in that country . ' I am going away from you , ' she said to her children , in a faint voice ; ` but first , my son , choose which you will have : blessing or property . ' ` Property , certainly , ' answered the son . ` And you , my daughter ? ' ' I will have blessing , ' said the girl ; and her mother gave her much blessing , and that night she died . When the days of mourning were ended , the brother bade his sister put outside the hut all that belonged to his father and his mother . So the girl put them out , and he took them away , save only a small pot and a vessel in which she could clean her corn . But she had no corn to clean . She sat at home , sad and hungry , when a neighbour knocked at the door . ` My pot has cracked in the fire , lend me yours to cook my supper in , and I will give you a handful of corn in return . '
And the girl was glad , and that night she was able to have supper herself , and next day another woman borrowed her pot , and then another and another , for never were known so many accidents as befell the village pots XXXXX that time .
So at by for from in of on outside under