But now matters were less easy , for he could not get inside the yard , as it was evening and the gate was locked . Finally he hit upon a plan ; he got up on the roof and crept down the chimney . He searched all round for the lamp , but could find it nowhere , for the witch always had it safely guarded , as it was one of her most precious treasures . When he became tired of searching for it he crept into the baking - oven , intending to lie down there and sleep till morning ; but just at that moment he heard the witch calling from her bed to one of her daughters , and telling her to make some porridge for her . She had grown hungry , and had taken such a fancy to some porridge . The daughter got out of bed , kindled the fire , and put on a pot with water in it . ` You must n't put any salt in the porridge , though , ' cried the witch . ` No , neither will I , ' said the daughter ; but while she was away getting the meal Esben slipped out of the oven and emptied the whole bushel of salt into the pot . The daughter came back then and put in the meal , and after it had boiled a little she took it in to her mother . The witch took a spoonful and tasted it . ` Uh ! ' said she ; ` did n't I tell you not to put any salt in it , and it 's just as salt as the sea . ' So the daughter had to go and make new porridge , and her mother warned her strictly not to put any salt in it . But now there was no water in the house , so she asked her mother to give her the lamp , so that she could go to the well for more . ` There you have it , then , ' said the witch ; ` but take good care of it . ' The daughter took the lamp which shone over seven kingdoms , and went out to the well for water , while Esben slipped out after her . When she was going to draw the water from the well she set the lamp down on a stone beside her . Esben watched his chance , seized the lamp , and gave her a push from behind , so that she plumped head first into the well . Then he made off with the lamp . But the witch got out of her bed and ran after him , crying : ` Hey !
is XXXXX you again , Esben ? '
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