With every step they went into the kingdom of Mittwoch , the air grew colder and more icy , till even the marrow in their bones was frozen . But Petru was no coward ; the fight he had gone through had strengthened his powers of endurance , and he stood the test bravely . Along the road on each side were great fires , with men standing by them , who spoke pleasantly to Petru as he went by , and invited him to join them . The breath froze in his mouth , but he took no notice , only bade his horse ride on the faster . How long Petru may have waged battle silently with the cold one can not tell , for everybody knows that the kingdom of Mittwoch is not to be crossed in a day , but he struggled on , though the frozen rocks burst around , and though his teeth chattered , and even his eyelids were frozen . At length they reached the dwelling of Mittwoch herself , and , jumping from his horse , Petru threw the reins over his horse 's neck and entered the hut . ` Good-day , little mother ! ' said he . ` Very well , thank you , my frozen friend ! ' Petru laughed , and waited for her to speak . ` You have borne yourself bravely , ' went on the goddess , tapping him on the shoulder . ` Now you shall have your reward , ' and she opened an iron chest , out of which she took a little box . ` Look ! ' said she ; ` this little box has been lying here for ages , waiting for the man who could win his way through the Ice Kingdom . Take it , and treasure it , for some day it may help you . If you open it , it will tell you anything you want , and give you news of your fatherland . ' Petru thanked her gratefully for her gift , mounted his horse , and rode away . When he was some distance from the hut , he opened the casket . ` What are your commands ? ' asked a voice inside .
` Give me news XXXXX my father , ' he replied , rather nervously .
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