As they drew near the island they saw that it came from a golden lantern hanging over the door of a hut , while sweet tinkling music proceeded from some bells attached to the golden horns of a goat which was feeding near the cottage . The young men 's hearts rejoiced as they thought that at last they would be able to rest their weary limbs , and they entered the hut , but were amazed to see an ugly old woman inside , wrapped in a cloak of gold which lighted up the whole house . They looked at each other uneasily as she came forward with her daughter , as they knew by the cloak that this was a famous witch . ` What do you want ? ' asked she , at the same time signing to her daughter to stir the large pot on the fire . ` We are tired and hungry , and would fain have shelter for the night , ' answered the eldest brother . ` You can not get it here , ' said the witch , ` but you will find both food and shelter in the palace on the other side of the lake . Take your boat and go ; but leave this boy with me -- I can find work for him , though something tells me he is quick and cunning , and will do me ill . ' ` What harm can a poor boy like me do a great Troll like you ? ' answered Pinkel . ` Let me go , I pray you , with my brothers . I will promise never to hurt you . ' And at last the witch let him go , and he followed his brothers to the boat . The way was further than they thought , and it was morning before they reached the palace . Now , at last , their luck seemed to have turned , for while the two eldest were given places in the king 's stables , Pinkel was taken as page to the little prince . He was a clever and amusing boy , who saw everything that passed under his eyes , and the king noticed this , and often employed him in his own service , which made his brothers very jealous . Things went on this way for some time , and Pinkel every day rose in the royal favour . At length the envy of his brothers became so great that they could bear it no longer , and consulted together how best they might ruin his credit with the king . They did not wish to kill him -- though , perhaps , they would not have been sorry if they had heard he was dead -- but merely wished to remind him that he was after all only a child , not half so old and wise as they . Their opportunity soon came .
It happened to be the king 's custom XXXXX visit his stables once a week , so that he might see that his horses were being properly cared for .
As At after from if over than though to with