It was sewed at the top; but, ripping it open with a knife, she held it to me, and I saw, to my surprise, that it contained candied fruits of a dark green hue, tempting enough to one of my age.

'There, my tiny,' said she; 'taste, and tell me how you like them.' 'Very much,' said I; 'where did you get them ?' The beldame leered upon me for a moment, then, nodding her head thrice, with a knowing look, said, 'Who knows better than yourself, my tawny ?' Now, I knew nothing about the matter; but I saw that these strange people had conceived a very high opinion of the abilities of their visitor, which I was nothing loth to encourage.

I therefore answered boldly, 'Ah! who indeed!' 'Certainly,' said the man; 'who should know better than yourself, or so well?
And now, my tiny one, let me ask you one thing--you didn't come to do us any harm ?' 'No,' said I, 'I had no dislike to you; though, if you were to meddle with me--' _Man_.

Of course, my gorgeous, of course you would; and quite right too.
Meddle with you!--what right have we?
I should say, it would not be quite safe.

I see how it is; you are one of them there;--and he bent his head towards his left shoulder.
_Myself_.