But the flies , who did n't understand English , refused to let themselves be warned off , and returned again in even greater numbers . At last the little tailor , losing all patience , reached out of his chimney corner for a duster , and exclaiming : `` Wait , and I 'll give it to you , '' he beat them mercilessly with it . When he left off he counted the slain , and no fewer than seven lay dead before him with outstretched legs . `` What a desperate fellow I am ! '' said he , and was filled with admiration at his own courage . `` The whole town must know about this '' ; and in great haste the little tailor cut out a girdle , hemmed it , and embroidered on it in big letters , `` Seven at a blow . '' `` What did I say , the town ? no , the whole world shall hear of it , '' he said ; and his heart beat for joy as a lamb wags his tail . The tailor strapped the girdle round his waist and set out into the wide world , for he considered his workroom too small a field for his prowess . Before he set forth he looked round about him , to see if there was anything in the house he could take with him on his journey ; but he found nothing except an old cheese , which he took possession of . In front of the house he observed a bird that had been caught in some bushes , and this he put into his wallet beside the cheese . Then he went on his way merrily , and being light and agile he never felt tired . His way led up a hill , on the top of which sat a powerful giant , who was calmly surveying the landscape . The little tailor went up to him , and greeting him cheerfully said : `` Good-day , friend ; there you sit at your ease viewing the whole wide world . I 'm just on my way there . What do you say to accompanying me ? '' The giant looked contemptuously at the tailor , and said : `` What a poor wretched little creature you are ! '' `` That 's a good joke , '' answered the little tailor , and unbuttoning his coat he showed the giant the girdle . `` There now , you can read what sort of a fellow I am . '' The giant read : `` Seven at a blow '' ; and thinking they were human beings the tailor had slain , he conceived a certain respect for the little man .
But first he thought he 'd test him , so taking up a stone in his hand , he squeezed it till some drops XXXXX water ran out .
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