The two sons and the mother lived on together for another day and a year, when the second son said, “I will go out to seek my fortune.”
He went away like the first brother.
The mother and the youngest son lived on together for a day and a year, and then the mother died. When she was buried, the youngest of the three brothers, whose name was Arthur, went out in the world to seek his fortune. He travelled, and was walking always for a day and a year without finding a master, till on the afternoon of the last day of the year he took service with a hill.
On the last day of Arthur’s service with the hill, the Half Slim Champion came in the afternoon, and asked would he play a game of cards.
“If you win,” said the champion, “you will have a castle with lands and cattle of all kinds; if you lose, you will do me a service.”
“I will play,” answered Arthur.
With that they sat down to play; and Arthur won. Now, Arthur had lands and a castle, cattle of all kinds, and wealth in abundance.
The Half Slim Champion went his way; and Arthur lived for a day and a year on his lands. On the last day of the year, the champion came in the afternoon, and with him was the most beautiful lady that man could set eyes on. “Will you play a second game?” asked the champion. “If you lose, you will do me a service; if you win, I give you this lady as wife.”
“I will play with you,” said Arthur.
They played, and Arthur won.