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On the third day, the boy sat by the well, and did not stir his

finger, however much it hurt him. But the time was long to him,

and he looked at the reflection of his face on the surface of the

water. And as he still bent down more and more while he was doing

so, and trying to look straight into the eyes, his long hair fell

down from his shoulders into the water. He raised himself up

quickly, but the whole of the hair of his head was already golden

and shone like the sun. You can imagine how terrified the poor

boy was! He took his pocket-handkerchief and tied it round his

head, in order that the man might not see it. When he came he

already knew everything, and said: 'Take the handkerchief off.'

Then the golden hair streamed forth, and let the boy excuse

himself as he might, it was of no use. 'You have not stood the

trial and can stay here no longer. Go forth into the world, there

you will learn what poverty is.