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The king looked at him, and as the youth pleased him, he said:

'You may ask for three things to take into the castle with you,

but they must be things without life.' Then he answered: 'Then I

ask for a fire, a turning lathe, and a cutting-board with the

knife.'

The king had these things carried into the castle for him during

the day. When night was drawing near, the youth went up and made

himself a bright fire in one of the rooms, placed the

cutting-board and knife beside it, and seated himself by the

turning-lathe. 'Ah, if I could but shudder!' said he, 'but I

shall not learn it here either.' Towards midnight he was about to

poke his fire, and as he was blowing it, something cried suddenly

from one corner: 'Au, miau! how cold we are!' 'You fools!' cried

he, 'what are you crying about? If you are cold, come and take a

seat by the fire and warm yourselves.' And when he had said that,

two great black cats came with one tremendous leap and sat down

on each side of him, and looked savagely at him with their fiery

eyes. After a short time, when they had warmed themselves, they

said: 'Comrade, shall we have a game of cards?' 'Why not?' he

replied, 'but just show me your paws.' Then they stretched out

their claws.