He told her all that happened , and because she was pleased with him she took compassion on him , and said she would help him . She lifted up a large stone which lay over the cellar , saying , ` Hide yourself there ; you can hear all that is spoken in this room . Only sit still and do n't stir . When the Dragon comes , I will ask him what the riddle is , for he tells me everything ; then listen carefully what he answers . ' At midnight the Dragon flew in , and asked for his supper . His grandmother laid the table , and brought out food and drink till he was satisfied , and they ate and drank together . Then in the course of the conversation she asked him what he had done in the day , and how many souls he had conquered . ' I have n't had much luck to-day , ' he said , ` but I have a tight hold on three soldiers . ' ` Indeed ! three soldiers ! ' said she . ` Who can not escape you ? ' ` They are mine , ' answered the Dragon scornfully , ` for I shall only give them one riddle which they will never be able to guess . ' ` What sort of a riddle is it ? ' she asked . ' I will tell you this . In the North Sea lies a dead sea-cat -- that shall be their roast meat ; and the rib of a whale -- that shall be their silver spoon ; and the hollow foot of a dead horse -- that shall be their wineglass . ' When the Dragon had gone to bed , his old grandmother pulled up the stone and let out the soldier . ` Did you pay attention to everything ? ' ` Yes , ' he replied , ' I know enough , and can help myself splendidly . '
Then he went by another way through the window secretly , and XXXXX all haste back to his comrades .
At because in of on over that till to with