Page:Fairy tales and stories (Andersen, Tegner).djvu/131



THE TINDER-BOX

SOLDIER came marching along the high road: one, two! one, two! He had his knapsack on his back and a sword by his side, for he had been in the wars, and he was now on his way home. He met an old witch on the road; she was a hideous-looking creature; her under-lip hung right down upon her breast.

"Good evening, soldier," she said. "What a fine sword, and what a big knapsack you have got. You are a real soldier! You shall have as much money as you want."

"Thank you, old witch," said the soldier.

"Do you see that tree?" said the witch, pointing at the tree which stood beside them. "It is quite hollow inside. You must climb to the