thought the brothers , and went on their way . Presently they came to a town where were seven sisters , as young and as lovely as anyone could wish . Each brother chose one , and the youngest they kept for their brother at home . Then the whole party set out on the return journey , and again their path led through the wood and past the old man 's cottage . There he stood before the door , and cried : ` Oh ! you fine fellows , what a charming bride you have brought me ! ' ` She is not for you , said the young men . ` She is for our youngest brother , as we promised . ' ` What ! ' said the old man , ` promised ! I 'll make you eat your promises ! ' And with that he took his magic wand , and , murmuring a charm , he touched both brothers and brides , and immediately they were turned into grey stones . Only the youngest sister he had not bewitched . He took her into the cottage , and from that time she was obliged to keep house for him . She was not very unhappy , but one thought troubled her . What if the old man should die and leave her here alone in the solitary cottage deep in the heart of the wood ! She would be as ` terribly lonely ' as he had formerly been . One day she told him of her fear . ` Do n't be anxious , ' he said . ` You need neither fear my death nor desire it , for I have no heart in my breast !
However , XXXXX I should die , you will find my wand above the door , and with it you can set free your sisters and their lovers .
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