The little wild creatures peeped at him from beneath the bushes , and he nodded and smiled , and wished them ` Good-morning . ' After he had been walking for some time he met an old white-bearded man who was coming along the footpath . The boy would not step aside , and the man was determined not to do so either , so they ran against one another with a bump . ` It seems to me , ' said the old fellow , ` that a boy should give way to an old man . ' ` The path is for me as well as for you , ' answered young Hans saucily , for he had never been taught politeness . ` Well , that 's true enough , ' answered the other mildly . ` And where are you going ? ' ' I am going into service , ' said Hans . ` Then you can come and serve me , ' replied the man . Well , Hans could do that ; but what would his wages be ? ` Two pounds a year , and nothing to do but keep some rooms clean , ' said the new-comer . This seemed to Hans to be easy enough ; so he agreed to enter the old man 's service , and they set out together . On their way they crossed a deep valley and came to a mountain , where the man opened a trapdoor , and bidding Hans follow him , he crept in and began to go down a long flight of steps . When they got to the bottom Hans saw a large number of rooms lit by many lamps and full of beautiful things . While he was looking round the old man said to him : ` Now you know what you have to do . You must keep these rooms clean , and strew sand on the floor every day . Here is a table where you will always find food and drink , and there is your bed . You see there are a great many suits of clothes hanging on the wall , and you may wear any you please ; but remember that you are never to open this locked door . If you do ill will befall you . Farewell , for I am going away again and can not tell when I may return .
No sooner had the old man disappeared than XXXXX sat down to a good meal , and after that went to bed and slept until the morning .
Good-morning Hans creatures day mountain new-comer path service table year