the two oak
trees.

Here she resumed her own gigantic shape, tore up the trees by their
roots, threw one of them over her back and clasped the other to her
breast, carried them down to the shore and waded out with them to the
ship.

She took care not to be noticed as she reached the ship, and directly
she got on board she once more changed to her former lovely appearance
and told the prince that her luggage was now all on board, and that
they need wait for nothing more.

The prince gave orders to set sail at once, and after a fine voyage
landed in his own country, where his parents and his only sister
received him with the greatest joy and affection.

The false Signy was also very kindly welcomed. A beautiful house was
got ready for her, and Prince Ring had the two oaks planted in the
garden just in front of her windows so that she might have the
pleasure of seeing them constantly. He often went to visit the witch,
whom he believed to be Princess Signy, and one day he asked: 'Don't
you think we might be married before long?'

'Yes,' said she, quite pleased, 'I am quite ready to marry you
whenever you like.'

'Then,' replied Ring, 'let us decide on this day fortnight. And see, I
have brought you some stuff to make your wedding-dress of.' So saying
he gave her a large piece of the most beautiful brocade, all woven
over with gold threads, and embroidered with pearls and other jewels.

The prince had hardly left her before the witch resumed her proper
shape and tore about the room, raging and storming and flinging the
beautiful silk on the floor.

'What was _she_ to do with such things?' she roared. '_She_ did not
know how to sew or make clothes, and she was sure to die of starvation
into the bargain if her brother Ironhead did not come soon and bring
her some raw meat and bones, for she really could eat nothing else.'

As she was raving and roaring in this frantic manner part of the floor
suddenly opened and a huge giant rose up carrying a great chest in his
arms. The witch was enchanted at this sight, and eagerly helped her
brother to set down and open the chest, which was full of the ghastly
food she had been longing for. The horrid pair set to and greedily
devoured it all, and when the chest was quite empty the giant put it
on his shoulder and disappeared as he had come, without leaving any
trace of his visit.

But his sister did not keep quiet for long, and tore and pulled at the
rich brocade as if she wa