" Thereupon the two brothers went forth
together into the forest, and took counsel with each other and planned
something. And in the evening when they had sat down to supper, they said
to their foster-father, "We will not touch food, or take one mouthful,
until you have granted us a request." Said he, "What, then, is your
request?" They replied, "We have now finished learning, and we must
prove ourselves in the world, so allow us to go away and travel." Then
spake the old man joyfully, "You talk like brave huntsmen, that which
you desire has been my wish; go forth, all will go well with you."
Thereupon they ate and drank joyously together.
When the appointed day came, their foster-father presented each of them
with a good gun and a dog, and let each of them take as many of his
saved-up gold pieces as he chose. Then he accompanied them a part of
the way, and when taking leave, he gave them a bright knife, and said,
"If ever you separate, stick this knife into a tree at the place where
you part, and when one of you goes back, he will will be able to see how
his absent brother is faring, for the side of the knife which is turned
in the direction by which he went, will rust if he dies, but will remain
bright as long as he is alive.
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