“I know already what thou art in need of,” said the man; “gold and possessions shall thou have, as much as thou canst make away with do what thou wilt, but first I must know if thou art fearless, that I may not bestow my money in vain.”

“A soldier and fear⁠—how can those two things go together?” he answered; “thou canst put me to the proof.”

“Very well, then,” answered the man, “look behind thee.” The soldier turned round, and saw a large bear, which came growling towards him.

“Oho!” cried the soldier, “I will tickle thy nose for thee, so that thou shalt soon lose thy fancy for growling,” and he aimed at the bear and shot it through the muzzle; it fell down and never stirred again.

“I see quite well,” said the stranger, “that thou art not wanting in courage, but there is still another condition which thou wilt have to fulfil.”