Meanwhile the cobbler stood with his hands in his pockets, sighing at the waste of time. “About the dragon…” he began.

“Oh yes,” said the king. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll give the princess’ hand in marriage to anyone who can make the dragon stop.”

“It’s not enough,” said the cobbler. “She’s a nice enough girl, you understand. But how would an ordinary person support her? Also, what about those of us that are already married?”

“In that case,” said the king, “I’ll offer the princess’ hand or half the kingdom or both. Whichever is most convenient.”

The cobbler scratched his chin and considered it. “It’s not enough,” he said at last. “It’s a good enough kingdom, you understand, but it’s too much responsibility.”

“Take it or leave it,” the king said.

“I’ll leave it,” said the cobbler. And he shrugged and went home.

But the cobbler’s eldest son thought the bargain was a good one. The princess was very beautiful and he liked the idea of having half the kingdom to run as he pleased. So he said to he king, “I’ll accept those terms, Your Majesty. By tomorrow morning the dragon will be slain.”

“Bless you!” cried the king.

“Hooray, hooray, hooray!” cried all the people, throwing their hats in the air. The cobbler’s eldest son beamed with pride, and the second eldest looked at him enviously. The youngest son said timidly,