me, even if only by a thought,' and it
disappeared among the bushes.
The young man packed up all the food that was left, and wandered on till
the shortening shadows and his own hunger warned him that it was midday.
he laid the cloth on the ground and spread out his provisions, saying
at the same time: 'Dinner is ready, and anyone who wishes to share it is
welcome.'
Then there was a great rustling in the undergrowth, and out ran a wild
boar, grunting, 'Umph, umph, umph; someone said dinner was ready. Was it
you? and did you mean me to come?'
'By all means. Help yourself to what I have,' said the young traveller.
And the two enjoyed their meal together.
Afterwards the boar got up, saying, 'Thank you; when in need you be you
must quickly call for me,' and he rolled off.
For a long time the youth walked on. By evening he was miles away. He
felt hungry again, and, having still some provisions left, thought he
had better make ready his supper. When it was all spread out he cried as
before, 'Anyone who cares to share my meal is welcome.'
He heard a sound overhead like the flapping of wings, and a shadow was
cast upon the ground. Then a huge griffin appeared, saying: 'I heard
someone giving an invitation to eat; is there anything for me?'
'Why not?' said the youth. 'Come down and take all you want. There won't
be much left after this.'
So the griffin alighted and ate his fill, saying, as he flew away, 'Call
me if you need me.'
'What a hurry he was in!' the youth said to himself. 'He might have been
able to direct me to the church, for I shall never find it alone.'
He gathered up his things, and started to walk a little farther before
resting. He had not gone far when all of a sudden he saw the church!
He soon came to it, or rather to the wide and deep moat which surrounded
it without a single bridge by which to cross.
It was too late to attempt anything now; and, besides, the poor youth
was very tired, so he lay down on the ground and fell fast asleep.
Next morning, when he awoke, he began to wish himself over the moat;
and the thought occurred to him that if only the red ox were there,
and thirsty enough to drink up all the water in the moat, he might walk
across it dry shod.
Scarcely had the thought crossed his brain before the ox appeared and
began to drink up the water.
The grateful youth hastened across as soon as the moat was dry, but
found it impossible to penetrate the thick walls and s
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