TIRE came a soldier marching along the high road---one , two ! one , two ! He had his knapsack on his back and a sabre by his side, for he had been in the wars , and now he wanted to go home . And on the way he met with an old witch: she was very hideous, and her under lip hung down upon her breast . She said , “ Good evening, soldier. What a fine sword you have, and what a big knapsack ! You're a proper soldier! Now you shall have as much money as you like to have .”
    “I thank you , you old witch ! ”said the soldier .
    “ Do you see that great tree?” "h the witch ; and she pointed to a tree which stood beside them . “It' s quite hollow in side . You must climb to the top , and then you'll see a hole , through which you can let yourself down and get deep into the tree . I' ll tie a rope round your body, so that I can pull you up again when you call me.”
    “ What am I to do down in the tree?” asked the soldier.