There were frightful words said when they found that the door was shut.
"It was the youngest one who deceived me!" cried the robber chieftain. "I knew all the time that she did not want to let me in. I was suspicious of her from the first."
"Perhaps you can outwit her yet!" cried another. "She may not be so wise as she appears. You never can tell."
The leader of the band of thieves went up close to the keyhole and whispered: "Kind lady of the house, have pity on me."
The merchant's daughter at first did not answer; but, as he kept on calling to her, she finally asked him what it was that he wanted.
"I have left my charm behind!" he cried. "Pray let me enter to get it. I promise you I will do you no harm."
"I do not trust your promises," replied the little maid. "You shall not come into my father's house."
"Pass the charm out to me, then," said the robber.
"It's in the fire," replied the girl.
"Go throw vinegar on the fire and put it out," said the captain of the thieves. "Then you can pull my charm out in safety."