The oxen were very thin now, and they had been standing about in the yoke all day without food, while the wagons were being loaded.

Not far from the town was a hill.

When we came to the foot the first wagon stuck fast.

I tried for a little while to urge the oxen, but I soon saw the one span could never pull it up.

I went to the other wagon to loosen that span to join them on in front, but the transport-rider, who was lying at the back of the wagon, jumped out.
"'They shall bring it up the hill; and if half of them die for it they shall do it alone,' he said.
"He was not drunk, but in bad temper, for he had been drunk the night before.