The hermit lived in a wood which he never left, and he received only common people. So the king put on simple clothes, left his horse and his guards behind, and went on alone. When the king came near, the hermit was digging the ground in front of his hut. He was a weak old man, and each time he pushed the spade into the earth he breathed heavily. The king came up to him and said, "I have come to ask you three questions. How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Which people do I most need? And what work is the most important?" The hermit listened, but he answered nothing. He just spat on his hands and went on digging. "You are tired," said the king. "Let me take the spade and work for you." "Thank you," said the hermit, and he gave the king the spade and sat down on the ground. The king dug one bed and then another. The sun began to sink behind the trees, and still the king dug. At last he stuck the spade into the earth and said, "I came to you, wise man, for an answer to my questions. If you can give me none, tell me, and I will go home." "Here comes someone running," said the hermit. "Let us see who it is."