The Small-Tooth Dog

Once upon a time, a merchant was walking home along a lonely road. Some rough men jumped out from the bushes and tried to grab his bag. Then, all of a sudden, a great big dog came bounding out of the trees. He barked so loudly that the rough men ran away and never came back.

The merchant was very grateful, and he took the dog home with him. “You saved me,” he said, “so let me give you a present.” “Would you like a fish that can talk, or a goose that lays golden eggs?” he asked. The dog shook his shaggy head. “Would you like a magic mirror that shows what people are thinking?” The dog shook his head again. “Thank you, but I only want one thing,” said the dog. “Let your daughter come and live at my house.”

The merchant was very sad, but he had made a promise. His daughter was sad too, but she was brave, and she climbed onto the dog’s back. Off they went, far away, to a cozy little house in the woods. The dog was very kind to her, and he gave her everything she needed. Still, after a while, she began to miss her father.

“Please may I go home to see my father?” she asked. “You may,” said the dog, “but first tell me, what will you call me on the way?” “A great, ugly, small-tooth dog,” said the girl, for that was what he looked like. “Then I will not take you,” said the dog, and he turned around and carried her back.

The girl cried, and the next day she asked again. They set off once more, and the dog asked, “What will you call me now?” The girl thought of all his kindness, and she smiled. “I will call you Sweet-as-a-Honeycomb,” she said.

At once, the dog stood up on his back legs. His shaggy dog coat slipped off like a cloak, and there stood a handsome young man. “A spell made me a dog,” he said, “and only a kind name could break it.” He took the girl home to her father, who hugged them both. Soon the girl and the young man were married, and they all lived happily together.