to desert.

One of them said to the others, 'If we are caught, we shall be hanged
on the gallows; how shall we set about it?' The other said, 'Do you see
that large cornfield there? If we were to hide ourselves in that, no
one could find us. The army cannot come into it, and to-morrow it is to
march on.'

They crept into the corn, but the army did not march on, but remained
encamped close around them. They sat for two days and two nights in
the corn, and grew so hungry that they nearly died; but if they were to
venture out, it was certain death.

They said at last, 'What use was it our deserting? We must perish here
miserably.'

Whilst they were speaking a fiery dragon came flying through the air. It
hovered near them, and asked why they were hidden there.

They answered, 'We are three soldiers, and have deserted because our pay
was so small. Now if we remain here we shall die of hunger, and if we
move out we shall be strung up on the gallows.'

'If you will serve me for seven years,' said the dragon, I will lead you
through the midst of the army so that no one shall catch you.' 'We have
no choice, and must take your offer,' said they. Then the dragon seized
them in his claws, took them through the air over the army, and set them
down on the earth a long way from it.

He gave them a little whip, saying, 'Whip and slash with this, and as
much money as you want will jump up before you. You can then live as
great lords, keep horses, and drive about in carriages. But after seven
years you are mine.' Then he put a book before them, which he made all
three of them sign. 'I will then give you a riddle,' he said; 'if you
guess it, you shall be free and out of my power.' The dragon then flew
away, and they journeyed on with their little whip. They had as much
money as they wanted, wore grand clothes, and made their way into the
world. Wherever they went they lived in merrymaking and splendour, drove
about with horses and carriages, ate and drank, but did nothing wrong.

The time passed quickly away, and when the seven years were nearly ended
two of them grew terribly anxious and frightened, but the third
made light of it, saying, 'Don't be afraid, brothers, I wasn't born
yesterday; I will guess the riddle.'

They went into a field, sat down, and the two pulled long faces. An old
woman passed by, and asked them why they were so sad. 'Alas! what have
you to do with it? You cannot help us.' 'Who knows?' she answered. 'On