Now it happened that there was a little hole in the door just large enough for a man's hand to enter. It is the hole through which beggars often thrust outstretched hands, asking for alms.
"Put your hand through the hole in the door," replied the little maid. "Then I'll give you your charm."
She quickly ran upstairs and got the robber's sword which he had left on a chair in the dining room. When she returned, his hand was sticking through the hole in the door. She struck it with all her might with the great sword and cut it off.
The cries and curses of the robbers filled the air. They tried in vain to break down the great doors. The doors were strong and held securely. At last it was daylight and the band of thieves had to flee.
In the morning the effect of the sleeping powder wore off and the two elder sisters awoke. When they heard their sister's story they were filled with amazement.
"I don't believe a word of it!" cried the oldest. "You are making it up."
"You had a bad dream," said the second. "I had such a nightmare myself that I have a headache this morning."
It was not until their little sister had shown them the robber's hand and the great sword that they were convinced that she had told them the truth.
"Oh, why did we ever let the man into our house!" cried the eldest.
"Oh, why didn't we keep our promise to our father!" cried the middle one.