'Anything more?' asked Matte; but he did everything that his wife wished. The rock Ahtola became so grand and Maie so great that all the sea-urchins and herring were lost in wonderment. Even Prince was fed on beefsteaks and cream scones till at last he was as round as a butter jar.
'Are you satisfied now?' asked Matte.
'I should be quite satisfied,' said Maie, 'if only I had thirty cows. At least that number is required for such a household.'
'Go to the fairies,' said Matte.
His wife set out in the new steamer and sang to the sea-king. Next morning thirty cows stood on the shore, all finding food for themselves.
'Know'st thou, good man, that we are far too cramped on this wretched rock, and where am I to find room for so many cows?'
'There is nothing to be done but to pump out the sea.'
'Rubbish!' said his wife. 'Who can pump out the sea?'
'Try with thy new steamer, there is a pump in it.'
Maie knew well that her husband was only making fun of her, but still her mind was set upon the same subject. 'I never could pump the sea out,' thought she, 'but perhaps I might fill it up, if I were to make a big dam. I might heap up sand and stones, and make our island as big again.'