` So you have dared , after all you have done , to put yourself in my power ! ' cried she . ` Well , you sha 'n' t escape me THIS time ! ' And she took down a large knife and began to sharpen it . ' ` Oh ! dear mother , spare me ! ' shrieked Pinkel , falling on his knees , and looking wildly about him . ` Spare you , indeed , you thief ! Where are my lantern and my goat ? No ! not ! there is only one fate for robbers ! ' And she brandished the knife in the air so that it glittered in the firelight . ` Then , if I must die , ' said Pinkel , who , by this time , was getting really rather frightened , ` let me at least choose the manner of my death . I am very hungry , for I have had nothing to eat all day . Put some poison , if you like , into the porridge , but at least let me have a good meal before I die . ' ` That is not a bad idea , ' answered the woman ; ` as long as you do die , it is all one to me . ' And ladling out a large bowl of porridge , she stirred some poisonous herbs into it , and set about work that had to be done . Then Pinkel hastily poured all the contents of the bowl into his bag , and make a great noise with his spoon , as if he was scraping up the last morsel . ` Poisoned or not , the porridge is excellent .
I have eaten it , every scrap ; do give me some more , ' said XXXXX , turning towards her .
Pinkel day death escape knees manner morsel noise poison thief