But get
it again she must, for she knew it really was a magic tinder-box.
But how could she get it?
Ah! here was her chance.
Tramp, tramp; right, left, right, left. She heard the steps come
nearer and nearer. She looked! There was a soldier coming along;
tramp, tramp.
She could see him now, with a knapsack on his back, and his sword at
his side.
The soldier had been to the wars and was coming home.
"Good evening," said the witch, as he came close to her. "Good
evening; what a bright sword you wear, and what a big knapsack! You
shall have as much money as you wish for yourself!"
"Thank you, old witch," said the soldier. But he did not tell her that
she did not look as though she had much money to spare. He was too
wise to say anything but, "Thank you, old witch."
"Do you see that big tree?" she said, and she pointed to one that
stood close by the wayside. "It is hollow inside. Climb up to the top,
and you will see a hole. It is large. You must creep through it and
let yourself down, right down under the tree. Tie a rope round your
waist, and I will haul you up again when you call."
"But what am I to do under the tree?" asked the soldier.
"What are you to do? Why, did I not tell you you should have money.
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