The next time he entered the stables the two brothers managed to be in the way , and when the king praised the beautiful satin skins of the horses under their charge , and remarked how different was their condition when his grooms had first come across the lake , the young men at once began to speak of the wonderful light which sprang from the lantern over the hut . The king , who had a passion for collection all the rarest things he could find , fell into the trap directly , and inquired where he could get this marvellous lantern . ` Send Pinkel for it , Sire , ' said they . ` It belongs to an old witch , who no doubt came by it in some evil way . But Pinkel has a smooth tongue , and he can get the better of any woman , old or young . ' ` Then bid him go this very night , ' cried the king ; ` and if he brings me the lantern I will make him one of the chief men about my person . ' Pinkel was much pleased at the thought of his adventure , and without more ado he borrowed a little boat which lay moored to the shore , and rowed over to the island at once . It was late by the time he arrived , and almost dark , but he knew by the savoury smell that reached him that the witch was cooking her supper . So he climbed softly on to the roof , and , peering , watched till the old woman 's back was turned , when he quickly drew a handful of salt from his pocket and threw it into the pot . Scarcely had he done this when the witch called her daughter and bade her lift the pot off the fire and put the stew into a dish , as it had been cooking quite long enough and she was hungry . But no sooner had she tasted it than she put her spoon down , and declared that her daughter must have been meddling with it , for it was impossible to eat anything that was all made of salt . ` Go down to the spring in the valley , and get some fresh water , that I may prepare a fresh supper , ' cried she , ` for I feel half-starved . ' ` But , mother , ' answered the girl , ` how can I find the well in this darkness ? For you know that the lantern 's rays shed no light down there . ' ` Well , then , take the lantern with you , ' answered the witch , ` for supper I must have , and there is no water that is nearer . ' So the girl took her pail in one hand and the golden lantern in the other , and hastened away to the well , followed by Pinkel , who took care to keep out of the way of the rays . When at last she stooped to fill her pail at the well Pinkel pushed her into it , and snatching up the lantern hurried back to his boat and rowed off from the shore . He was already a long distance from the island when the witch , who wondered what had become of her daughter , went to the door to look for her . Close around the hut was thick darkness , but what was that bobbing light that streamed across the water ? The witch 's heart sank as all at once it flashed upon her what had happened .
` Is that you , XXXXX ? '
Pinkel Sire back boat fire first girl mother night pot