The eldest son had second thoughts about retrieving the magic brocade and never returned home. Now the weaver’s second son is sent.

At home the poor mother waited two months for her eldest son to return, but he did not come back. Gradually her illness got worse. At length she sent her second son to bring the brocade back.

When the boy reached the mountain pass he came upon the old woman at the stone house, who told him the same things she had told his older brother. As he learned all that he must do in order to obtain the brocade, he became frightened and his face paled.

Laughing the old woman offered him a box of gold, just as she had his brother. greatly relieved, the boy took it and went on his way, deciding also to head to the city instead of returning home.

—

Next time: The Youngest Brother’s Quest