The Maiden took it away secretly and swallowed it herself, for the Old Woman wanted to have it.
From this time the Huntsman found no more gold under his pillow; but the coin was always under the Maiden’s instead, and the Old Woman used to fetch it away every morning.
But he was so much in love, that he thought of nothing but enjoying himself in the Maiden’s company.
Then the Old Woman said: ‘We have got the bird’s heart, but we must have his wishing-cloak too.’
The Maiden said: ‘Let us leave him that; we have taken away his wealth.’
The Old Woman was very angry, and said: ‘A cloak like that is a very wonderful thing, and not often to be got. Have it I must, and will!’
So she obeyed the Witch’s orders, placed herself at the window, and looked sadly out at the distant hills.
The Huntsman said: ‘Why are you so sad?’
‘Alas! my love,’ was her answer, ‘over there are the garnet mountains, where the precious stones are found. I long for them so much that I grow sad whenever I think of them. But who could ever get them? The birds which fly, perhaps; no mortal could ever reach them.’
‘If that is all your trouble,’ said the Huntsman, ‘I can soon lift that load from your heart.’