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Rh they might roast their food. But the way was long, and their feet were weary, when at last they came upon a house in front of which sat an old man whose skin was covered with sores.

The children watched him from afar, and feared greatly to draw nigh to him. Then said the elder, "Go thou, sister, for thou art the younger, and must do my bidding."

But the younger said, "Nay, sister; thou art older than I. Thou must go. Perchance he will seek to slay us. I cannot go, for I am much afraid."

Then the elder, being very hungry, was bold and walked to the house, and crept in past the old man, who spake not to her. She picked up a burning stick, and would have left the house, when the burning wood brushed against the old man, and as she hasted to escape, she trod upon his sore foot.

"Ah, little one, slay me not," said the old man. His words were gentle, and the girl knew not that he was deceiving her. Therefore she spake, saying, "Fear not; I will not harm thee."

Then said he, "Art thou alone, or who are with thee?"

"Truly, I am alone," said she," save for my little sister, who waits for me on the beach."

'Go now," quoth he, and his voice was soft and gentle, "and bid her come hither," and the girl did as he had said, and went down and brought her sister, and also the snakes and lizards which they had killed.