(1835)
A soldier came marching along the high road: “Left, right-left, right.” He
had his knapsack on his back, and a sword at his side; he had been to the
wars, and was now returning home.
As he walked on, he met a very frightful-looking old witch in the road.
Her under-lip hung quite down on her breast, and she stopped and said,
“Good evening, soldier; you have a very fine sword, and a large knapsack,
and you are a real soldier; so you shall have as much money as ever you
like.”
“Thank you, old witch,” said the soldier.
“Do you see that large tree,” said the witch, pointing to a tree which stood
beside them. “Well, it is quite hollow inside, and you must climb to the top,
when you will see a hole, through which you can let yourself down into the
tree to a great depth. I will tie a rope round your body, so that I can pull you
up again when you call out to me.”
“But what am I to do, down there in the tree?” asked the soldier.
“Get money,” she replied; “for you must know that when you reach the
ground under the tree, you will find yourself in a large hall, lighted up by
three hundred lamps; you will then see three doors, which can be easily
opened, for the keys are in all the locks. On entering the first of the
chambers, to which these doors lead, you will see a large chest, standing in
the middle of the floor, and upon it a dog seated, with a pair of eyes as large
as teacups. But you need not be at all afraid of him; I will give you my blue
checked apron, which you must spread upon the floor, and then boldly seize
hold of the dog, and place him upon it. You can then open the chest, and
take from it as many pence as you please, they are only copper pence; but if
you would rather have silver money, you must go into the second chamber.
