Once upon a time there was a prince who had a sudden desire to travel about the world. He took no one with him but a faithful servant. One day he came to a great forest, and when evening fell he could find no shelter, and he did not know where he would spend the night. Then he saw a girl who was walking toward a little house, and when he came nearer, he saw that the girl was young and beautiful.
He spoke to her, saying, "Dear child, can my servant and I find shelter for the night in this little house?"
"Oh, yes," said the girl in a sad voice, "You certainly can, but I do not advise you to do so. Do not go inside."
"Why not?" asked the prince.
The girl sighed and said, "My stepmother practices evil arts, and she does not like strangers."
Then he realized that he had come to a witch's house, but because it was dark, and he could go no further, he entered. In any event, he was not afraid.