Even this money only lasted a little while longer , and nothing but their clothes lay between them and starvation . They sold the spare garments that were bound on their saddles , and went in the coats they stood up in to the inn , to beg for some food , as they were really starving . When , however , they had to pay for what they had eaten and drank , they said to the host : ` We have no money , and naught but the clothes we stand up in . Take these , and give us instead some old rags , and let us stay here and serve you . ' And the innkeeper was content with the bargain , and the generals remained , and were his servants . All this time the king and queen remained in their palace hungering for their children , but not a word was heard of either of them or of the generals who had gone to seek for them . Now there was living in the palace a faithful servant of the king 's called Bensurdatu , who had served him for many years , and when Bensurdatu saw how grieved the king was , he lifted up his voice and said to him : ` Your majesty , let me go and seek your daughters . ' ` No , no , Bensurdatu , ' replied the king . ` Three daughters have I lost , and two generals , and shall I lose you also ? ' But Bensurdatu said again : ` Let me now go , your majesty ; trust me , and I will bring you back your daughters . ' Then the king gave way , and Bensurdatu set forth , and rode on till he came to the inn , where he dismounted and asked for food . It was brought by the two generals , whom he knew at once in spite of their miserable clothes , and , much astonished , asked them how in the world they came there . They told him all their adventures , and he sent for the innkeeper , and said to him : ` Give them back their garments , and I will pay everything that they owe you . ' And the innkeeper did as he was bid , and when the two generals were dressed in their proper clothes , they declared they would join Bensurdatu , and with him seek for the king 's daughters . The three companions rode on for many miles , and at length they came to a wild place , without sign of a human being . It was getting dark , and fearing to be lost on this desolate spot they pushed on their horses , and at last saw a light in the window of a tiny hut . ` Who comes there ? ' asked a voice , as they knocked at the door . ` Oh ! have pity on us , and give us a night 's shelter , ' replied Bensurdatu ; ` we are three tired travellers who have lost our way . '
Then the door was opened by a very old woman , who stood back , and beckoned them XXXXX enter .
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