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At length the three brothers came to a castle: and as they passed

by the stables they saw fine horses standing there, but all were

of marble, and no man was to be seen. Then they went through all

the rooms, till they came to a door on which were three locks:

but in the middle of the door was a wicket, so that they could

look into the next room. There they saw a little grey old man

sitting at a table; and they called to him once or twice, but he

did not hear: however, they called a third time, and then he rose

and came out to them.

He said nothing, but took hold of them and led them to a

beautiful table covered with all sorts of good things: and when

they had eaten and drunk, he showed each of them to a

bed-chamber.