And they sat down by the roadside and began to eat . They had only half finished , when a lame fox came out of a wood and begged them to give him something to eat . But they jumped up and chased him off with their sticks , and the poor fox limped away on his three pads . As he ran he reached the spot where the youngest son was getting out the food he had brought with him , and the fox asked him for a crust of bread . The simpleton had not very much for himself , but he gladly gave half of his meal to the hungry fox . ` Where are you going , brother ? ' said the fox , when he had finished his share of the bread ; and the young man told him the story of his father and the wonderful vine . ` Dear me , how lucky ! ' said the fox . ' I know what has become of it . Follow me ! ' So they went on till they came to the gate of a large garden . ` You will find here the vine that you are seeking , but it will not be at all easy to get it . You must listen carefully to what I am going to say . Before you reach the vine you will have to pass twelve outposts , each consisting of two guards . If you see these guards looking straight at you , go on without fear , for they are asleep . But if their eyes are shut then beware , for they are wide awake . If you once get to the vine , you will find two shovels , one of wood and the other of iron . Be sure not to take the iron one ; it will make a noise and rouse the guards , and then you are lost . ' The young man got safely through the garden without any adventures till he came to the vine which yielded a tun of wine an hour .
But he thought he should find it impossible XXXXX dig the hard earth with only a wooden shovel , so picked up the iron one instead .
As Before at by of on that through till to