Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/43

Rh “Good evening, soldier!” said she. “What a beautiful sword you have there, and what a fine large knapsack! You look truly like a brave soldier; and therefore you shall have as much money as you can wish for!”

“Thank ye, old witch!” replied the soldier. “That would be very acceptable indeed.”

“Do you see that great tree yonder?” asked the witch, pointing to a stout oak that stood by the wayside. “'That tree is quite hollow; and if you will climb up to the top, you will see a hole in the trunk, through which you can slide down and get to the very bottom of the tree. I will tie a rope round your body, so that I may be able to pull you up to the top again when you call.”

“And what have I to do down there at the bottom of the tree?” asked the soldier.

“To fetch money, to be sure! What else do you think!” continued the witch. “But you must know, that when you have got to the bottom of the oak, you will find