The apprentices scampered to the market-place.
But one day, long before it came time to let out belts, the giants’ spoons brought up no more porridge. They felt here, and they felt there; but the porridge was all gone.
“But I’m still hungry,” cried Grosshand angrily.
“And I’m still hungry,” cried Grosskopf, still angrier.
“And I’m still hungry,” cried Grossmund, angriest of all.
The giants looked at one another. When they began, the pot had been full to overflowing, and now before they were half through, there was no more porridge.
Then Grosskopf had an idea. “Look for a hole,” he said.
Grosshand seized the pot and turned it over. He felt here and he felt there. He twisted it this way and that. But the more he examined, the better he saw that the pot was as firm and sound as the day it was made.
Grosskopf thought again. “The pot has shrunk,” he said.