Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/45

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The Tinder-Box.

the Round Tower[1] at Copenhagen. That’s a dog for you who can see! But you need not mind him: put him on my apron, and take as many gold pieces out of the chest as you please; the dog won’t do you any harm.”

“That wouldn’t be amiss!” said the soldier. “But what am I to give you, old beldame? For ’tis not very likely you would tell me this, and send me down the hollow tree to get so much treasure for nothing!”

“No, said the witch, “I don’t ask a farthing! You must only bring up with you the tinder-box you will find, that my grandmother forgot the last time she was down there.”

“Well, give me the rope,” said the soldier, “I’ll try!”

“Here it is,” said the witch; “and here too is my colored apron.” And she gave them both to him.

So the soldier climbed up to the top of the oak, put the rope about him, slipped

  1. The Observatory; so called on account of its round form.
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