tree, and wept bitterly.

'Another time perhaps you won't be so lazy, and will bring food for
yourself,' said Martin, but to his surprise Jack answered:

'You are a nice pair! You talk of seeking your fortunes so as not to be
a burden on our mother, and you begin by carrying off all the food she
has in the house!'

This reply was so unexpected that for some moments neither of the
brothers made any answer. Then they offered their brother some of their
food, and when he had finished eating they went their way once more.

Towards evening they reached a small hut, and knocking at the
door, asked if they might spend the night there. The man, who was a
wood-cutter, invited them him, and begged them to sit down to supper.
Martin thanked him, but being very proud, explained that it was only
shelter they wanted, as they had plenty of food with them; and he and
Michael at once opened their bags and began to eat, while Jack hid
himself in a corner. The wife, on seeing this, took pity on him, and
called him to come and share their supper, which he gladly did, and very
good he found it. At this, Martin regretted deeply that he had been so
foolish as to refuse, for his bits of bread and cheese seemed very hard
when he smelt the savoury soup his brother was enjoying.

'He shan't have such a chance again,' thought he; and the next morning
he insisted on plunging into a thick forest where they were likely to
meet nobody.

For a long time they wandered hither and thither, for they had no path
to guide them; but at last they came upon a wide clearing, in the midst
of which stood a castle. Jack shouted with delight, but Martin, who was
in a bad temper, said sharply:

'We must have taken a wrong turning! Let us go back.'

'Idiot!' replied Michael, who was hungry too, and, like many people
when they are hungry, very cross also. 'We set out to travel through the
world, and what does it matter if we go to the right or to the left?'
And, without another word, took the path to the castle, closely followed
by Jack, and after a moment by Martin likewise.

The door of the castle stood open, and they entered a great hall,
and looked about them. Not a creature was to be seen, and suddenly
Martin--he did not know why--felt a little frightened. He would have
left the castle at once, but stopped when Jack boldly walked up to a
door in the wall and opened it. He could not for very shame be outdone
by his younger brother, and passed behind him i