小学英语英语故事童话故事TheTinder-Box打火匣

The Tinder—Box 打火匣 ASOLDIER came marching along the high road: “Left, right—left, right.” He had his knapsack on his back, and asword at his side; he had been to the wars, and was now returning home. As he walked on, he met avery frightful-looking old witch in the road. Her under-lip hung quite down on her breast, and she stopped and said, “Good evening, soldier; you have avery fine sword, and alarge knapsack, and you are areal soldier; so you shall have as much money as ever you like.” “Thank you, old witch,” said the soldier. “Do you see that large tree,” said the witch, pointing to atree which stood beside them. “Well, it is quite hollow inside, and you must climb to the top, when you will see ahole, through which you can let yourself down into the tree to agreat depth. Iwill tie arope round your body, so that Ican pull you up again when you call out to me.” “But what am Ito do, down there in the tree?” asked the soldier. “Get money,” she replied; “for you must know that when you reach the ground under the tree, you will find yourself in alarge hall, lighted up by three hundred lamps; you will then see three doors, which can be easily opened, for the keys are in all the locks. On entering the first of the chambers, to which these doors lead, you will see alarge chest, standing in the middle of the floor, and upon it adog seated, with apair of eyes as large as teacups. But you need not be at all afraid of him; Iwill give you my blue checked apron, which you must spread upon the floor, and then boldly seize hold of the dog, and place him upon it. You can then open the chest, and take from it as many pence as you please, they are only copper pence; but if you would rather have silver money, you must go into the second chamber. Here you will find another dog, with eyes as big as mill-wheels; but do not let that trouble you. Place him upon my apron, and then take what money you please. If, however, you like gold best, enter the third chamber, where there is another chest full of it. The dog who sits on this chest is very dreadful; his eyes are as big as a tower, but do not mind him. If he also is placed upon my apron, he cannot hurt you, and you may take from the chest what gold you will.” “This is not abad story,” said the soldier; “but what am Ito give you, you old witch? for, of course, you do not mean to tell me all this for nothing.” “No,” said the witch; “but Ido not ask for asingle penny. Only promise to bring me an old tinder-box, which my grandmother left behind the last time she went down there.” “Very well; Ipromise. Now tie the rope round my body.” “Here it is,” replied the witch; “and here is my blue checked apron.” As soon as the rope was tied, the soldier climbed up the tree, and let himself down through the hollow to the ground beneath; and here he found, as the witch had told him, alarge hall, in which many hundred lamps were all burning. Then