The old man agreed that it would be nice to have a house with a good solid roof and a good solid foundation, and he wanted to make his wife happy, so he went back down to the Sea and called out for the fish. The fish returned and popped its eye out of the water.

“What is it?” the fish asked

“Well, I did catch you, and my wife said that it would only be fair for you to grant me a wish, since I let you go,” explained the old man humbly.

“Very well,” said the fish, “What would you wish?”

“Well…if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could I just have a little cottage with a solid foundation and a sound roof?”

“Of course,” the fish said immediately. “It shall be just as you wish. Go and see the little house that I have provided for you and your dear wife. It is the least I can do for you, since you spared my life.”