The Tinder Box (2)

The Tinder Box (2)

" Listen !
When you reach the bottom of the tree you will find yourself in a large hall; it is light there, for there are more than three hundred lamps burning.

Then you will see three doors, which you can open ー the keys are in the locks.

If you go into the first room, you will see a great chest in the middle of the floor with a dog sitting upon it; he has eyes as large as saucers, but you need not trouble about him.

I will give you my blue-check apron, which you must spread out on the floor. and then go back quickly and fetch the dog and set him upon it; open the chest and take as much money as you like. It is copper there.

If you would rather have silver, you must go into next room, where there is a dog with eyes as large as mill-wheels.
But don't take any notice of him; just set him upon my apron, and help yourself to the money. 

If you prefer gold, you can get that too, if you go into the third room, and as much as you like to carry.
But the dog that guards the chest there has eyes as large as the Round Tower at Copenhagen !
He is a savage dog, I can tell you, but you need not be afraid of him either. Only, put him on my apron and he won't touch you, and you can take out of the chest as much gold as you like !  "

" This is not bad ! " said the Soldier.
" But what am I to give you in return, old Witch,; for surely you are not going to do this for nothing ? "

(2/15)