a bird which flies up
and down; it never eats, and never drinks, and never dies. No one can
catch it, and while that bird lives so shall I, for in it is my heart.'

It made the little bride quite sad to think she could do nothing to show
her love for the old man's heart. She used to think about it as she sat
all alone during the long days, for her husband was almost always out.

One day a young traveller came past the house, and seeing such a pretty
girl he wished her 'Good day.'

She returned his greeting, and as he drew near she asked him whence he
came and where he was going.

'Alas!' sighed the youth, 'I am very sorrowful. I had six brothers, who
went away to find brides for themselves and one for me; but they have
never come home, so now I am going to look for them.'

'Oh, good friend,' said the girl, 'you need go no farther. Come, sit
down, eat and drink, and afterwards I'll tell you all about it.'

She gave him food, and when he had finished his meal she told him how
his brothers had come to the town where she lived with her sisters, how
they had each chosen a bride, and, taking herself with them, had started
for home. She wept as she told how the others were turned to stone,
and how she was kept as the old man's bride. She left out nothing, even
telling him the story of her husband's heart.

When the young man heard this he said: 'I shall go in search of the
bird. It may be that God will help me to find and catch it.'

'Yes, do go,' she said; 'it will be a good deed, for then you can set
your brothers and my sisters free.' Then she hid the young man, for it
was now late, and her husband would soon be home.

Next morning, when the old man had gone out, she prepared a supply of
provisions for her guest, and sent him off on his travels, wishing him
good luck and success.

He walked on and on till he thought it must be time for breakfast; so
he opened his knapsack, and was delighted to find such a store of good
things. 'What a feast!' he exclaimed; 'will anyone come and share it?'

'Moo-oo,' sounded close behind him, and looking round he saw a great
red ox, which said, 'I have much pleasure in accepting your kind
invitation.'

'I'm delighted to see you. Pray help yourself. All I have is at your
service,' said the hospitable youth. And the ox lay down comfortably,
licking his lips, and made a hearty meal.

'Many thanks to you,' said the animal as it rose up. 'When you are
in danger or necessity call