As a merry young huntsman was once going briskly along through awood, there came up a little old woman, and said to him, «Good day,good day; you seem merry enough, but I am hungry and thirsty; dopray give me something to eat.» The huntsman took pity on her, and puthis hand in his pocket and gave her what he had. Then he wanted to gohis way; but she took hold of him, and said, «Listen, my friend, towhat I am going to tell you; I will reward you for your kindness; goyour way, and after a little time you will come to a tree where youwill see nine birds sitting on a cloak. Shoot into the midst ofthem, and one will fall down dead: the cloak will fall too; take it,it is a wishing-cloak, and when you wear it you will find yourself atany place where you may wish to be. Cut open the dead bird, take out itsheart and keep it, and you will find a piece of gold under your pillowevery morning when you rise. It is the bird’s heart that will bring youthis good luck.»
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