The old woman departed, and Wide-awake was left alone. Having nothing else to do, he began to think of home and his mother. Then he began to wonder how much his mistress meant to give him for his services. He determined that he would buy a nice arm-chair for his mother, and a great many other things, if his money only held out. But they were all for his mother’s comfort, and not for his own, as I have already explained that Wide-awake was far from being selfish. On the fourth day after the old woman’s departure, a stout man came to the door, and asked leave to rest a little while. Wide-awake knew that his mistress would have no objection; so he gave him permission, and, moreover, placed before him some bread and milk. The man ate heartily, and, in the mean time, contrived to draw out of Wide-awake all the particulars of his situation, and the old woman’s prohibiting him to open the door of the closet. “I have no doubt,” said he, “that it is there where she keeps her money. If I were in your place, I would look and see. It wouldn’t do any harm.” “But,” said Wide-awake, in astonishment, “she told me not to do it on any account.” “Never mind that,” said the man, winking: “it’ll do no harm; and she’ll never know it.” “But,” said Wide-awake, firmly, “I have promised; and I never break my promise.” “Well, then, if you won’t, I will,” said the stranger, rising; “for I’m determined to know what there is in that closet.” But Wide-awake sprang to the door, set his back resolutely against it, and said,— “Never! while I live.” “Poh!” was the contemptuous reply. “What is your strength against mine? Don’t you know that I can kill you?” “That may be,” said Wide-awake, firmly,—though the thoughts of his mother came over his mind; and he could not help sighing for her, if he should die,—“but I will not yield.” “Are you quite determined you will not let me in?” said the stranger. The voice seemed altered; and, looking up, Wide-awake beheld, to his great surprise, that it was the old woman who addressed him. “Where is the man who was here a minute since?” asked he in surprise. The old woman smiled, and explained to him that she was a fairy, and had taken a man’s figure to test his sincerity. She said she was quite satisfied with the result, and, as she had no further need of his services, would let him return home. “But I owe you something for your past fidelity. What shall it be? I leave it to your choice. Wealth, happiness, and long life: I will confer either of these upon you. Choose.” “And may I choose any thing I like?” said Wide-awake, with eyes sparkling. “Yes,” said the fairy (for so we must now call her). “Then I will choose that my mother be restored to sight.” “You have chosen well, my child,” said the fairy, kindly: “it shall be as you say; and, to reward you for your affection to your mother, I will freely bestow upon you the three gifts which you did not choose. You shall be rich; and your life shall be both long and happy.”