At length they reached the dwelling of Mittwoch herself , and , jumping from his horse , Petru threw the reins over his horse 's neck and entered the hut . ` Good-day , little mother ! ' said he . ` 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 XXXXX .
Mittwoch Petru ages casket day dwelling father fatherland horse nobles