All the neighbors scurried home to get the things they wanted to put into the stone soup--and they returned just as quickly as they could.

Then each put the thing they had brought into the boiling pot and before long the Stone Soup was ready to serve and eat!

"May this village always have GOOD LUCK and GOOD SOUP!" exclaimed the young soldier as he ladled a big bowlful of soup into the waiting bowl of the oldest resident.

"And may YOU live long and well-- to give this wonderful recipe to many more hungry people!" the farmer said to the young soldier.

Soon everyone had soup (and freshly baked rolls) and before long all had eaten their fill (including the young soldier, of course) but the Stone Soup Party as it was always remembered in the days to come had only just begun!

Old George HAD brought his fiddle and rosined up his bow and so the villagers danced, sang and had a wonderful time.

When it was time for the young soldier to continue on his journey, he thanked them all and gave the farmer the soup stone--so they could always have more Stone Soup whenever they were hungry.

These villagers of long ago never forgot the recipe and if you travel to that village even today, they may invite you to join them in some delicious, tasty Stone Soup.

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