'Wait and you'll see, mother,' answered her husband.Then Peder took the ladder that led up to the hayloft and set it against the cow's neck, and he climbed up and slipped the rope over her head.When he had made sure that the noose was fast they started for the palace, and met the king himself walking in his grounds.
'I heard that the princess was going to be married,' said Peder, 'so I've brought your majesty a cow which is bigger than any cow that was ever seen.Will your majesty deign to buy it?'
The king had, in truth, never seen so large a beast, and he willingly paid the thousand dollars, which was the price demanded; but Peder remembered to take off the halter before he left.After he was gone the king sent for the butcher and told him to kill the animal for the wedding feast.The butcher got ready his pole-axe; but just as he was going to strike, the cow changed itself into a dove and flew away, and the butcher stood staring after it as if he were turned to stone.
However, as the dove could not be found, he was obliged to tell the king what had happened, and the king in his turn despatched messengers to capture the old man and bring him back.But Peder was safe in the woods, and could not be found.When at last he felt the danger was over, and he might go home, Kirsten nearly fainted with joy at the sight of all the money he brought with him.
'Now that we are rich people we must build a bigger house,' cried she;and was vexed to find that Peder only shook his head and said: 'No; if they did that people would talk, and say they had got their wealth by ill-doing.'
A few mornings later Hans came again.
'Be off before you get us into trouble,' said his father.'So far the money has come right enough, but I don't trust it.'