Helli paused, then he shook his head.
“I’ve got to shoot you for we’ve nothing to put in the pot for dinner.”
Again he aimed his arrow and again the Grouse said:
“Don’t shoot me, brother! Take me home alive.”
For the second time Helli paused.
“I’d like to spare you,” he said, “but what would my wife say if I came home empty-handed?”
He took aim again and a third time the Grouse said:
“Don’t shoot me, brother! Take me home alive.”
At that Helli dropped his arrow.
“I don’t care what she says! I can’t shoot a creature that begs so pitifully for its life! Very well, Mr. Grouse, I’ll do as you say: I’ll take you home alive. But don’t blame me if my wife wrings your neck.”