But she repented bitterly of her words when Pinkel told her that he too was old enough to go out into the world , and that when he had made a fortune he would send for his mother to keep house for him . The widow wept many tears at parting from her youngest son , but as she saw that his heart was set upon going with his brothers , she did not try to keep him . So the young men started off one morning in high spirits , never doubting that work such as they might be willing to do would be had for the asking , as soon as their little store of money was spent . But a very few days of wandering opened their eyes . Nobody seemed to want them , or , if they did , the young men declared that they were not able to undertake all that the farmers or millers or woodcutters required of them . 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 ? '
XXXXX Pinkel .
Let answered living looked refused repented said signing stir want