I had six brothers , who went away to find brides for themselves and one for me ; but they have never come home , so now I am going to look for them . ' ` Oh , good friend , ' said the girl , ` you need go no farther . Come , sit down , eat and drink , and afterwards I 'll tell you all about it . ' She gave him food , and when he had finished his meal she told him how his brothers had come to the town where she lived with her sisters , how they had each chosen a bride , and , taking herself with them , had started for home . She wept as she told how the others were turned to stone , and how she was kept as the old man 's bride . She left out nothing , even telling him the story of her husband 's heart . When the young man heard this he said : ' I shall go in search of the bird . It may be that God will help me to find and catch it . ' ` Yes , do go , ' she said ; ` it will be a good deed , for then you can set your brothers and my sisters free . ' Then she hid the young man , for it was now late , and her husband would soon be home . Next morning , when the old man had gone out , she prepared a supply of provisions for her guest , and sent him off on his travels , wishing him good luck and success . He walked on and on till he thought it must be time for breakfast ; so he opened his knapsack , and was delighted to find such a store of good things . ` What a feast ! ' he exclaimed ; ` will anyone come and share it ? ' ` Moo-oo , ' sounded close behind him , and looking round he saw a great red ox , which said , ' I have much pleasure in accepting your kind invitation . ' ` I 'm delighted to see you . Pray help yourself . All I have is at your service , ' said the hospitable youth . And the ox lay down comfortably , licking his lips , and made a hearty meal . ` Many thanks to you , ' said the animal as it rose up .
` When you are XXXXX danger or necessity call me , even if only by a thought , ' and it disappeared among the bushes .
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