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The young fisherman remembered that the little mermaid had no feet and could not dance and he said

It is only a short journey and then I can return to my love

He laughed and went up onto the shore. He held out his arms to his soul

The soul gave a great cry of joy and entered into him

They traveled all that night and came to a city

They went into the city as they passed along the street of the jewelers the young fisherman saw a fine silver cup

The soul said to him take that cup and hide it

So he took the cup and they went quickly out of the city

After they had gone some way the young fisherman threw the cup away. He said to his soul

Why did you tell me to take that cup? It was an evil thing to do

But his soul answered

It doesn't matter

on the evening of the second day they came to another city as

They passed along the street the young fisherman saw a child standing with a pot of water and his soul said to him

strike that child

So he hit the child and it wept then they went quickly out of the city

After they had gone a short way the young fisherman became angry

Why did you tell me to strike the child that it was an evil thing to do?

But his soul answered it doesn't matter

Late on the evening of the third day they came to another city

The young fisherman sat down and rested

After a time a merchant came by he said why are you sitting here in the street?

The young fisherman said I don't know any place in the city where I may sleep

I haven't any friends here who would take me in

The merchant said aren't we all brothers didn't want God make us all come with me to my house

So the young fisherman went and slept at the merchant's house

Three hours before sunrise while it was still dark his soul woke him and said

Go to the merchant's room

Kill him and take his gold. We need it

There was a knife lying near the merchant and by the side of his bed. There were three bags of gold

The young fisherman put out his hand and touched the knife

The merchant awoke and said do you return evil for good and

Pay with blood for the kindness I have shown you the soul said strike him

He struck him and took the bags of gold

When they had gone some distance from the city the young fisherman said

Why did you tell me to kill the merchant and take his gold you are evil?