and so this went on until nine lindworm skins were lying on the floor, each of them covered with a snow-white shift. and there was nothing left of the lindworm but a huge thick mass, most horrible to see. then the girl seized the whips, dipped them in the lye, and whipped him as hard as ever she could. next, she bathed him all over in the fresh milk. lastly, she dragged him on to the bed and put her arms round him. and she fell fast asleep that very moment.