They travelled together till they came to some cross roads , and there they parted , the two elder ones taking one road , and the simpleton the other . ` Thank goodness we have got rid of that idiot , ' exclaimed the two elder . ` Now let us have some breakfast . ' 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 XXXXX iron .
As Before If at by for of on till without