Hans took the bacon, tied it with a rope, and swung it to and fro, so that the dogs came and ate it up. When he reached home he held the rope in his hand, but there was nothing on it.
"Good evening, mother," said he.
"Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?"
"To Grethel's, mother."
"What did you take her?"
"I took nothing; she gave to me."
"And what did Grethel give you?"
"A piece of bacon," said Hans.
"And where have you put it?"
"I tied it with a rope, swung it about, and the dogs came and ate it up."