II
The three brothers set out to go to the king’s castle.
On their way they passed through a great wood.
By and by they heard something chopping and cutting.
“I wonder what it is that is cutting and chopping,” said the youngest brother.
“Did you never hear woodmen before? asked the brothers.
“Oh, yes!” said the youngest brother.
“But I should like to know what it is that we hear.
I am going to find out.”
So away he went.
Far off in the woods he saw an ax chopping all alone.
“Good morning, Ax,” he said.
“Are you cutting here all by yourself?”
“Yes,” said the ax.
“I have been chopping here a hundred years, waiting for you.
“Well, here I am,” said the youngest brother.
He put the ax in his bag.
Then he ran off to catch up with his brothers.