The youngest brother , who was wiser , would gladly have done some of the work that the others refused , but he was small and slight , and no one thought of offering him any . Therefore they went from one place to another , living only on the fruit and nuts they could find in the woods , and getting hungrier every day . One night , after they had been walking for many hours and were very tired , they came to a large lake with an island in the middle of it . From the island streamed a strong light , by which they could see everything almost as clearly as if the sun had been shining , and they perceived that , lying half hidden in the rushes , was a boat . ` Let us take it and row over to the island , where there must be a house , ' said the eldest brother ; ` and perhaps they will give us food and shelter . ' And they all got in and rowed across in the direction of the light . 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 , XXXXX 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 .
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