he fox asked him for a crust
of bread. The simpleton had not very much for himself, but he gladly
gave half of his meal to the hungry fox.

'Where are you going, brother?' said the fox, when he had finished his
share of the bread; and the young man told him the story of his father
and the wonderful vine.

'Dear me, how lucky!' said the fox. 'I know what has become of it.
Follow me!' So they went on till they came to the gate of a large
garden.

'You will find here the vine that you are seeking, but it will not be at
all easy to get it. You must listen carefully to what I am going to say.
Before you reach the vine you will have to pass twelve outposts, each
consisting of two guards. If you see these guards looking straight at
you, go on without fear, for they are asleep. But if their eyes are shut
then beware, for they are wide awake. If you once get to the vine, you
will find two shovels, one of wood and the other of iron. Be sure not to
take the iron one; it will make a noise and rouse the guards, and then
you are lost.'

The young man got safely through the garden without any adventures till
he came to the vine which yielded a tun of wine an hour. But he thought
he should find it impossible to dig the hard earth with only a wooden
shovel, so picked up the iron one instead. The noise it made soon
awakened the guards. They seized the poor simpleton and carried him to
their master.

'Why do you try to steal my vine?' demanded he; 'and how did you manage
to get past the guards?'

'The vine is not yours; it belongs to my father, and if you will not
give it to me now, I will return and get it somehow.'

'You shall have the vine if you will bring me in exchange an apple off
the golden apple-tree that flowers every twenty-four hours, and bears
fruit of gold.' So saying, he gave orders that the simpleton should be
released, and this done, the youth hurried off to consult the fox.

'Now you see,' observed the fox, 'this comes of not following my advice.
However, I will help you to get the golden apple. It grows in a garden
that you will easily recognise from my description. Near the apple-tree
are two poles, one of gold, the other of wood. Take the wooden pole, and
you will be able to reach the apple.'

Master Simpleton listened carefully to all that was told him, and after
crossing the garden, and escaping as before from the men who were
watching it, soon arrived at the apple-tree. But he was so dazzled by
the sigh