the eldest believed he would be quite safe if he crept into a lime-pit, but she saw him from the first window, made him come out, and had his head cut off. the second crept into the cellar of the palace, but she perceived him also from the first window, and his fate was sealed. his head was placed on the nine and ninetieth post. then the youngest came to her and entreated her to give him a day for consideration, and also to be so gracious as to overlook it if she should happen to discover him twice, but if he failed the third time, he would look on his life as over. as he was so handsome, and begged so earnestly, she said, "yes, i will grant thee that, but thou wilt not succeed."