answered he, "do not question me about it, for i dare not tell you anything; if i disclose it to any one, then all our good fortune will fly." "very good," said she, "if i am not to know anything, then i do not want to know anything." however, she was not in earnest; she never rested day or night, and she goaded her husband until in his impatience he revealed that all was owing to a wonderful golden fish which he had caught, and to which in return he had given its liberty. and as soon as the secret was out, the splendid castle with the cupboard immediately disappeared, they were once more in the old fisherman’s hut, and the man was obliged to follow his former trade and fish. but fortune would so have it, that he once more drew out the golden fish. "listen," said the fish, "if you will throw me back into the water again, i will once more give you the castle with the cupboard full of roast and boiled meats; only be firm, for your life’s sake don’t reveal from whom you have it, or you will lose it all again!" "i will take good care,"