When they had walked for some time they came to a crossway , and there they agreed to part , and each take his own road . This they did , but no sooner had they walked a short distance than they met again . So they parted once more , and each took his own road , but in a very short time the same thing happened again -- they met each other before they were at all aware , and so it happened the third time also . Then they arranged with each other that each should choose his own quarter , and one should go east and the other west . ` But if ever you fall into any need or trouble , ' said the elder , ` call me thrice , and I will come and help you ; only you must not call me until you are in the utmost need . ' ` In that case we shall not see each other for some time , ' said Minnikin ; so they bade farewell to each other , and Minnikin went east and King Pippin went west . When Minnikin had walked a long way alone , he met an old , old crook-backed hag , who had only one eye . Minnikin stole it . ` Oh ! oh ! ' cried the old hag , ` what has become of my eye ? ' ` What will you give me to get your eye back ? ' said Minnikin . ' I will give thee a sword which is such a sword that it can conquer a whole army , let it be ever so great , ' replied the woman . ` Let me have it , then , ' said Minnikin . The old hag gave him the sword , so she got her eye back . Then Minnikin went onwards , and when he had wandered on for some time he again met an old , old crook-backed hag , who had only one eye . Minnikin stole it before she was aware . ` Oh ! oh !
what has become XXXXX my eye ? '
So at before for if in into of until with