But on the third morning they said to their sister : ` Dear sister , you must lock yourself into this castle , with only the cat for company . And be very careful never to eat anything which she does not eat too . You must be sure to give her a bit of everything . In seven days we shall be back again . ' ` All right , ' she answered , and locked herself into the castle with the cat . On the eighth day the brothers came home . ` How are you ? ' they asked . ` You have not been anxious ? ' ` No , why should I be anxious ? The gates were fast locked , and in the castle are seven doors , and the seventh is of iron . What is there to frighten me ? ' ` No one will try to hurt us , ' said the brothers , ` for they fear us greatly . But for yourself , we implore you to do nothing without consulting the cat , who has grown up in the house , and take care never to neglect her advice . ' ` All right , ' replied Udea , ` and whatever I eat she shall have half . ' ` Capital ! and if ever you are in danger the cat will come and tell us -- only elves and pigeons , which fly round your window , know where to find us . ' ` This is the first I have heard of the pigeons , ' said Udea . ` Why did you not speak of them before ? ' ` We always leave them food and water for seven days , ' replied the brothers .
` Ah , ' sighed the girl , ` if I had only known , I would have given them fresh food and fresh water ; for after seven XXXXX anything becomes bad .
Udea brothers danger days doors elves first morning right seventh