The king turned to his mother-in-law, and said—
"Some one should reward my tale. I should like to know what punishment the taking of such an innocent life deserves."
The false hag did not know that her own treachery was aimed at, so she said boldly—
"For my part, I certainly think she should be put into boiling lead."
The king then turned himself to Foxtail, and said—
"I should like to have your opinion; what punishment is merited by one who takes so innocent a life?"
The wicked woman answered at once—
"For my part, I think she deserves to be put into boiling tar."
Then the king started up from the table in a great rage, and said—
"You have pronounced doom on yourselves. Such punishment shall you suffer!"