`` I never tasted better , '' said the guest . `` Another cup of this delicious milk , if you please , and I shall then have supped better than a prince . '' This time , old Philemon bestirred himself , and took up the pitcher ; for he was curious to discover whether there was any reality in the marvels which Baucis had whispered to him . He knew that his good old wife was incapable of falsehood , and that she was seldom mistaken in what she supposed to be true ; but this was so very singular a case , that he wanted to see into it with his own eyes . On taking up the pitcher , therefore , he slyly peeped into it , and was fully satisfied that it contained not so much as a single drop . All at once , however , he beheld a little white fountain , which gushed up from the bottom of the pitcher , and speedily filled it to the brim with foaming and deliciously fragrant milk . It was lucky that Philemon , in his surprise , did not drop the miraculous pitcher from his hand . `` Who are ye , wonder-working strangers ? '' cried he , even more bewildered than his wife had been . `` Your guests , my good Philemon , and your friends , '' replied the elder traveller , in his mild , deep voice , that had something at once sweet and awe-inspiring in it . `` Give me likewise a cup of the milk ; and may your pitcher never be empty for kind Baucis and yourself , any more than for the needy wayfarer ! '' The supper being now over , the strangers requested to be shown to their place of repose . The old people would gladly have talked with them a little longer , and have expressed the wonder which they felt , and their delight at finding the poor and meagre supper prove so much better and more abundant than they hoped . But the elder traveller had inspired them with such reverence , that they dared not ask him any questions . And when Philemon drew Quicksilver aside , and inquired how under the sun a fountain of milk could have got into air old earthen pitcher , this latter personage pointed to his staff . `` There is the whole mystery of the affair , '' quoth Quicksilver ; `` and if you can make it out , I 'll thank you to let me know . I ca n't tell what to make of my staff . It is always playing such odd tricks as this ; sometimes getting me a supper , and , quite as often , stealing it away . If I had any faith in such nonsense , I should say the stick was bewitched ! '' He said no more , but looked so slyly in their faces , that they rather fancied he was laughing at them .
The magic staff went hopping XXXXX his heels , as Quicksilver quitted the room .
If as at from in into of than to under