` Very well , thank you , my frozen friend ! ' Petru laughed , and waited for her to speak . ` You have borne yourself bravely , ' went on the goddess , tapping him on the shoulder . ` Now you shall have your reward , ' and she opened an iron chest , out of which she took a little box . ` Look ! ' said she ; ` this little box has been lying here for ages , waiting for the man who could win his way through the Ice Kingdom . Take it , and treasure it , for some day it may help you . If you open it , it will tell you anything you want , and give you news of your fatherland . ' Petru thanked her gratefully for her gift , mounted his horse , and rode away . When he was some distance from the hut , he opened the casket . ` What are your commands ? ' asked a voice inside . ` Give me news of my father , ' he replied , rather nervously . ` He is sitting in council with his nobles , ' answered the casket . ` Is he well ? ' ` Not particularly , for he is furiously angry . ' ` What has angered him ? ' ` Your brothers Costan and Florea , ' replied the casket . ` It seems to me they are trying to rule him and the kingdom as well , and the old man says they are not fit to do it . ' ` Push on , good horse , for we have no time to lose ! '
cried XXXXX ; then he shut up the box , and put it in his pocket .
Costan Florea Petru casket day father fatherland friend horse treasure