" Then they pushed the poor girl, in great
haste, under an empty cask, which stood near the tree, and several of
the golden apples that she had plucked along with her.
As the knight came nearer they saw he was a handsome man; and
presently he halted, and looked with wonder and pleasure at the
beautiful tree with its silver leaves and golden fruit.
At last he spoke to the sisters, and asked: "To whom does this
beautiful tree belong? If a man possessed only one branch he might
obtain all he wished for in the world."
"This tree belongs to us," said the two sisters, "and we will break
off a branch for you if you like." They gave themselves a great deal
of trouble in trying to do as they offered; but all to no purpose,
for the branches and the fruit evaded their efforts, and sprung back
at every touch.
"This is wonderful," exclaimed the knight, "that the tree should
belong to you, and yet you are not able to gather even a branch."
They persisted, however, in declaring that the tree was their own
property. At this moment little Two Eyes, who was angry because her
sisters had not told the truth, caused two of the golden apples to
slip out from under the cask, and they rolled on till they reached the
feet of the knight's horse.
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