that doesn't matter, said the stranger. i have everything i need he gathered sticks and built a fire in the middle of the main square.then he placed his pot on the fire and added some water. he glanced around and noticed that he was being watched from every window and feom every doorway. he smiled with satisfaction as the steam rose from the pot. next, he took an ordinary stone from his pocket, which he carefully placed in the pot. he stirred the soup and waited patiently for it to boil