He thought more of what she said , however , after his pearls also turned to cinders before the eyes of king and court : then he lost no time in getting home again , and was very sulky when asked how he had succeeded . The third day came , and with it came Jesper 's turn to try his fortune . He got up and had his breakfast , while Peter and Paul lay in bed and made rude remarks , telling him that he would come back quicker than he went , for if they had failed it could not be supposed that he would succeed . Jesper made no reply , but put his pearls in the little basket and walked off . The King of the Ants and the King of the Beetles were again marshalling their hosts , but the ants were greatly reduced in numbers , and had little hope of holding out that day . ` Come and help us , ' said their king to Jesper , ` or we shall be completely defeated . I may help you some day in return . ' Now Jesper had always heard the ants spoken of as clever and industrious little creatures , while he never heard anyone say a good word for the beetles , so he agreed to give the wished-for help . At the first charge he made , the ranks of the beetles broke and fled in dismay , and those escaped best that were nearest a hole , and could get into it before Jesper 's boots came down upon them . In a few minutes the ants had the field all to themselves ; and their king made quite an eloquent speech to Jesper , thanking him for the service he had done them , and promising to assist him in any difficulty . ` Just call on me when you want me , ' he said , ` where-ever you are . I 'm never far away from anywhere , and if I can possibly help you , I shall not fail to do it . ' Jesper was inclined to laugh at this , but he kept a grave face , said he would remember the offer , and walked on . At a turn of the road he suddenly came upon the old woman . ` Good morning , ' said she ; ` what have YOU got in your basket ? ' ` Pearls , ' said Jesper ; ` I 'm going to the palace to win the princess with them . ' And in case she might not believe him , he lifted the cover and let her see them . ` Beautiful , ' said the old woman ; ` very beautiful indeed ; but they will go a very little way towards winning the princess , unless you can also perform the tasks that are set you . However , ' she said , ' I see you have brought something with you to eat . Wo n't you give that to me : you are sure to get a good dinner at the palace . '
` Yes , of course , ' said Jesper , ' I had n't thought of that ' ; and he handed over the whole XXXXX his lunch to the old woman .
At before for from if of that to towards unless