By this time, the villagers were full of curiosity. Several of them had gathered
around the pot. What are you making? they asked.
Stone soup, replied the man. It smells good, doesn't it? And he sniffed the
soup and smiled in anticipation. Of course, a little salt and pepper would really help
the flavor.
I think I could find some salt and pepper, said one of the women, and she ran
back to her house to fetch the salt and
pepper to add to the soup.
How tasty it would be with a tiny
piece of garlic, said the traveler.
I might have a tiny piece of
garlic, said another villager.
If only we had some potatoes, too,
then it would really be delicious, said the
stranger.
I'll get you a potato, said another
man and rushed home to fetch it.