The elder brother began to get very bashful as they approached the village. “I wonder which house it is,” said he.
“The one with the tallest ladder in front of it, of course,” said the other.
Then the elder brother said in a low voice: “Now, do behave yourself; be dignified.”
“All right!” replied the younger.
When they got to the ladder, the elder one said in a whisper: “I don’t want to go up here; I don’t want to go courting; let’s go back.”
“Go along up,” said the younger.
“Keep still; be quiet!” said the elder one; “be dignified!”
They went up the ladder very carefully, so that there was not a tinkle from the bells. The elder brother hesitated, while the younger one went on to the top, and over the edge of the house.
“Now!” cried he.
“Keep still!” whispered the other; and he gave the ladder a little shake as he went, and the bells tinkled at the top.