Of this chest Bikku stood in great awe, but he had only had glimpses into it once or twice. Now it was opened, and the first thing that lay there glittering before him was a large sword in its gleaming sheath. "O, Grandfather, I want that," he cried.
"Oh you do?" said Grandfather. "Hold the sword till I get the uniform out of the chest."
Bikku Matti took the sword; it was so heavy that he could hardly lift it. Old Grandfather stroked his cheek. "When you become a man," he said, "perhaps you may carry a sword too, and be allowed to fight for your country. Do you want to do that Bikku?"
"Yes," answered Bikku, straightening himself. "I shall cut the heads off all of them!"
"Oh now, that depends upon whom it is you will fight."
"Yes," thought Bikku, "I shall cut the heads off all the wolves and hawks, and thistles and of all those who will harm Grandfather and Grandmother, and of all those who call me a girl."
"Well, well Bikku, take care, don't be too cruel. Here are the trousers. You need the coat too, I suppose."
"Yes, Grandfather, and the sword, and the cap too."
"Here you have it all, Bikku, but you must promise not to go farther than the gate." And Bikku promised.
Just as they came down from the garret they heard the sheriff driving on the road calling and shouting to the people to get out of the road, that the high gentleman was coming soon. There was a great deal of hurry and flurry on the road as well as in the little kitchen.