“Sit down,” said the old man. So they sat down, and food was placed before them.
“It seems,” said the father, “that ye have met with luck today in hunting,” as he cast his eyes on the string of rats.
“Yes,” said the Two.
So the old priest went and got some prayer-meal, and, turning the faces of the rats toward the east, said a short prayer.
“What did I tell you?” said the younger brother; “they like the presents we have brought. Just see!”
Presently the old man said: “It is not customary for strangers to come to a house without something in mind.”
“Quite so,” said the younger brother.
“Yes, my father,” said the elder one; “we have come thinking of your daughter. We understand that she has been wooed by various young men, and it has occurred to us that they did not bring the right kind of presents.”
“So we brought these,” said the younger brother.
“It is well,” said the old man. “It is the custom for maidens and youths to marry. It rests with my daughter.”