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The old Devil waited and waited for news of the Devilkins. He was expecting to hear that they had ruined the three brothers, but no news came. He set out himself to find them. He searched and searched, and found nothing but three holes.
“They’ve not been able to manage it, evidently,” he thought. “I must tackle the job myself.”
He went to look for the brothers, but they were no longer in their old places. He found them in their different kingdoms. All three lived and reigned. The old Devil was annoyed.
“Now we’ll see what I can do!” he said.
First of all he went to King Simon.
He did not go in his own shape, but disguised himself as a general. In that guise he appeared before King Simon.
“I have heard that you are a great warrior, King Simon,” he said. “I am well versed in these things and want to serve you.”
And King Simon began to ask him all manner of questions, and seeing that he was a clever man, he took him into his service.
The new commander instructed King Simon how to collect a large army.