Here you will find another dog, with eyes as big as mill-wheels; but do not
let that trouble you. Place him upon my apron, and then take what money
you please. If, however, you like gold best, enter the third chamber, where
there is another chest full of it. The dog who sits on this chest is very
dreadful; his eyes are as big as a tower, but do not mind him. If he also is
placed upon my apron, he cannot hurt you, and you may take from the chest
what gold you will.”
“This is not a bad story,” said the soldier; “but what am I to give you, you
old witch? for, of course, you do not mean to tell me all this for nothing.”
“No,” said the witch; “but I do not ask for a single penny. Only promise
to bring me an old tinder-box, which my grandmother left behind the last
time she went down there.”
“Very well; I promise. Now tie the rope round my body.”
“Here it is,” replied the witch; “and here is my blue checked apron.”
As soon as the rope was tied, the soldier climbed up the tree, and let
himself down through the hollow to the ground beneath; and here he found,
as the witch had told him, a large hall, in which many hundred lamps were
all burning. Then he opened the first door. “Ah!” there sat the dog, with the
eyes as large as teacups, staring at him.
