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diff --git a/old/64134-0.txt b/old/64134-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a0e16ca..0000000 --- a/old/64134-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4329 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Christmas tales of Flanders, by Various -André de - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Christmas tales of Flanders - -Author: Various André de - M. C. O. Morris - -Illustrator: Ridder - -Release Date: December 30, 2020 [eBook #64134] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Charlene Taylor, Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The Internet - Archive/American Libraries.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS TALES OF FLANDERS *** - - - - - CHRISTMAS TALES OF FLANDERS - - [Illustration] - - - KEEP THIS BOOK CLEAN - - [Illustration] - - - - - CHRISTMAS - TALES OF - FLANDERS - - ILLUSTRATED BY - JEAN DE BOSSCHERE - - [Illustration] - - NEW YORK: DODD, MEAD & COMPANY - MCMXVII - - - - - PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN AT THE COMPLETE PRESS - WEST NORWOOD, LONDON, S.E. - - [Illustration] - - - - -INTRODUCTION - - -The Christmas Tales of Flanders presented in this volume are popular -fables and legends current in Flanders and Brabant, which have for -centuries been told to children throughout Belgium. Their origin is -doubtful, as all literature handed down by oral tradition must be. A -good many of these stories are found in a different guise in the legends -of other nations. “Seppy” is closely akin to the rhyme of “The Old Man -who lived in the Wood”; and the prototypes of others will be readily -recognized; but all of them have peculiar Flemish traits. They have the -picturesqueness characteristic of the country which produced such a -glorious school of painting, and the freshness of their presentation is -a high tribute to the creative imagination of the Flanders folk. -Sometimes they are primitive to a degree, and in such tales as “Simple -John” and “The Boy who always said the Wrong Thing,” the storyteller -attributes the most elementary and artless mentality to his heroes, so -as to explain the extravagant adventures he relates. These tales occupy -for the Flemish the place nursery rhymes take in England, and as the -nursery rhymes have been collected in England at various times and in -different forms and guises, so the Flemish folk-tales have also been -collected in various ways and in various parts of Flanders. Messrs. -Demont and Decock produced a book entitled “Zoo Vertellen de Vlamingen,” -from which collection a good many of these stories are taken. Others -came from the “Brabantsch Segenboak,” which J. Teiclinck wrote for the -Flemish Academy. They were translated by M. C. O. Morris and are here -published for the first time in English. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - -THE RICH WOMAN AND THE POOR WOMAN 1 - -THE STORY OF SEPPY 8 - -THE ENCHANTED APPLE-TREE 14 - -THE CONVENT FREE FROM CARE 18 - -THE WITCHES’ CELLAR 21 - -THE BOY WHO ALWAYS SAID THE WRONG THING 25 - -HOP-O’-MY-THUMB 29 - -THE EMPEROR’S PARROT 36 - -THE LITTLE BLACKSMITH VERHOLEN 42 - -BALTEN AND THE WOLF 61 - -THE MERMAID 69 - -THE STORY OF THE LITTLE HALF-COCK 75 - -THE DWARF AND THE BLACKSMITH 81 - -PERCY THE WIZARD, NICKNAMED SNAIL 86 - -SIMPLE JOHN 94 - -THE TWO CHICKENS OR THE TWO EARS 100 - -THE WONDERFUL FISH 105 - -THE FRYING-PAN 115 - -FARMER BROOM, FARMER LEAVES, AND FARMER IRON 118 - -LITTLE LODEWYK AND ANNIE THE WITCH 123 - -THE GIANT OF THE CAUSEWAY 126 - -THE KEY-FLOWER 134 - -THE OGRE 136 - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - -IN COLOUR - - _Facing - page_ - -THE SEA-MONSTERS AND THE FISHERMAN _Frontispiece_ - -THE RICH WOMAN AND THE POOR WOMAN: THE TWO FARMS AT CHRISTMAS EVE 2 - -THE ENCHANTED APPLE-TREE 16 - -THE WITCHES’ CELLAR 24 - -HOP-O’-MY-THUMB AND THE ROBBERS 30 - -THE DEVIL BEATEN THREE TIMES 52 - -THE PROCESSION 58 - -THE MERMAID, THE MOTHER, AND HER DAUGHTER 74 - -THE DWARF’S FEAST 84 - -SIMPLE JOHN, THE HORSE, THE COW, AND THE PIG 94 - -THE THREE FARMERS AND THEIR HOUSES 118 - -THE GIANT, HIS DAUGHTER, AND THE KNIGHT 132 - - -IN BLACK AND WHITE AND IN TWO COLOURS - - PAGE - -ST. PETER AND THE TWO WOMEN 1 - -SHE SENT THE BEGGAR AWAY, WISHING HIM GOD-SPEED 2 - -THE NEIGHBOURS CAME TO SAY GOOD DAY 3 - -SHE WAS DISGUSTED WITH HERSELF 4 - -TRY AS SHE WOULD, SHE WAS OBLIGED TO GO ON CUTTING 5 - -THE RICH WOMAN’S SCISSORS 7 - -SEPPY WORKING IN THE FIELDS 8 - -HOWEVER, THE PRIEST HAD A GLASS 9 - -SEPPY WAS VERY ANGRY WITH THE PIG 10 - -SHE GRADUALLY SLIPPED TO THE EDGE OF THE SLOPING ROOF 11 - -SEPPY WAS DRAWN UP THE CHIMNEY 13 - -THE DEATH, MISERY, THE OLD MAN, AND THE TREE 14 - -THE VILLAGE URCHINS CAME AND STOLE THEM OFF THE TREE 15 - -“HERE IS HALF A LOAF, TAKE IT; IT IS ALL I HAVE” 16 - -THE DEATH HANGING IN THE TREE 17 - -TWO MONKS OF THE CONVENT 18 - -HOW MANY COWS’ TAILS WOULD IT TAKE...? 19 - -WHAT IS THE DEPTH OF THE SEA 20 - -JOHN TWIST AND THE WITCHES 21 - -RUBBING IT ON HIS FACE AND HANDS 22 - -DREW THE PEAK OF HIS CAP OVER HIS EYES 23 - -THE PIG TRAVELLED VERY QUICKLY 24 - -THE MILL, TONY, AND HIS MOTHER’S HOUSE 25 - -“I SHALL BE IN A BAD WAY” 25 - -HE THEN CAME TO THE CHURCH 26 - -THE STORY OF THE BOY WHO ALWAYS SAID THE WRONG THING 27 - -THE BOY RUNNING AWAY 28 - -HOP-O’-MY-THUMB AND A DUCK 29 - -LOOKING UP HE ESPIED A LITTLE LADY 29 - -HOP-O’-MY-THUMB THREW THEM SOME CRUMBS 31 - -POOR LITTLE ANT 32 - -THE STORY OF HOP-O’-MY-THUMB 33 - -THE CAPTAIN, THE PEASANT, THE PARROT, AND THE EMPEROR 36 - -HE GAVE HIM BACK THE PARROT AS GALLANTLY AS HE COULD 37 - -HE KICKED AND STRUGGLED VIOLENTLY 38 - -A PEASANT WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO CATCH IT 39 - -THE PARROT 41 - -THE BLACKSMITH VERHOLEN AND A DEVIL 42 - -A GENTLE KNOCKING AT THE DOOR 43 - -THE SHOE WAS TRIED ON 44 - -HE WISHED 45 - -OPEN THE DOOR, SMITH 46 - -THE LITTLE BLACKSMITH WAS SEATED ON A LOW STOOL 47 - -REST A WHILE IN THIS CHAIR 48 - -CLIMBED UP THE TREE LIKE A CAT 49 - -AS MUCH COAL AS HE COULD WISH 51 - -ORDERED THEM TO BURN THE DEVIL’S FEET 52 - -“I WILL MAKE MYSELF AS TALL AS THE TOWER” 53 - -IT WAS NOT A MESSENGER FROM HELL 54 - -HE WAS DRESSED IN DEEP BLACK 55 - -“LET THAT GOOD FELLOW HAVE A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN” 57 - -“OOH! BOO! MY POOR HEAD!” 58 - -MILK-AND-HONEY AVENUE 60 - -BALTEN, THE BARREL, AND THE WOLF 61 - -THE WOLF STARED AT JACK 62 - -“BALTEN, POUR! BALTEN, POUR!” 63 - -THE LADDER BECAME YET HIGHER 65 - -ONE HAS A PAW BROKEN 66 - -THEY PUT HIM INTO AN EMPTY BARREL 67 - -BALTEN AND THE WOLF 68 - -THE MERMAID AND THE CHILD 69 - -SHE FELL ON HER KNEES 70 - -EVERY MORNING THE MERMAID LOOKED IN AT THE WINDOW 71 - -A NUMBER OF LITTLE GIRLS AND BOYS 73 - -THE MERMAID, THE MOTHER, AND HER DAUGHTER 74 - -THE HALF-COCK, THE TWO FOXES, AND THE TWO ROBBERS 75 - -“I WILL ENCHANT HIM” 76 - -THEY IMMEDIATELY MOUNTED TWO HORSES 77 - -THE HALF-COCK 78 - -THE WATER JOINED THE OTHER LODGERS 79 - -THE BLACKSMITH, THE DWARF, AND HIS HAT 81 - -“THIS LITTLE FELLOW CANNOT HARM ME” 82 - -THEY WANTED TO FIND OUT HOW IT WAS DONE 83 - -ANOTHER SET OF VERY FINE MATERIAL 84 - -THE DWARF DISAPPEARED 85 - -THE WIZARD, THE TURKEY, AND THE COUNTESS 86 - -THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR A NICE HOTCHPOTCH 87 - -“IF I COULD DISCOVER THE THIEF” 88 - -ONE OF THEM WHISPERED TO THE OTHERS 89 - -TO OFFER HIM PART OF THEIR SAVINGS 90 - -THREW IT TO SOME GEESE AND TURKEYS 91 - -THE COUNTESS HAD TWO DISHES PLACED BEFORE HIM 92 - -THE SNAIL 93 - -SIMPLE JOHN 94 - -THE BRUSSELS MARKET 95 - -“LIVER, KIDNEYS, SAUSAGES” 96 - -THE EXCHANGES OF SIMPLE JOHN 97 - -THE TWO CHICKENS 100 - -THE FIRST THING HE DID WAS TO TAKE UP HIS KNIFE 101 - -THE COUSIN AND THE KNIFE 102 - -BEMOANING HER FATE AND REPROACHING THE ALMIGHTY 104 - -THE FISHERMAN, THE FISH, THE SEA-KING, AND SUSIE GRILL 105 - -STOOD UP ON ITS TAIL 106 - -A LOVELY HOUSE WITH LOFTY TOWERS 107 - -SHE COUNTED IT WITHOUT CEASING 109 - -“I AM NOT DISSATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE” 110 - -HE SOON CAUGHT THE FISH 111 - -A MIGHTY SEA-KING 113 - -IN FRONT OF THE BATHING-MACHINE 114 - -THE COBBLER AND HIS WIFE 115 - -THE FRYING-PAN 116 - -NEITHER OF THEM WANTED TO RETURN THE FRYING-PAN 117 - -THE THREE FARMERS 118 - -HE BURST IT OPEN 119 - -THE WOLF WENT IN AND SAT DOWN 120 - -FARMER BROOM AND FARMER LEAVES CAME OUT ALIVE 121 - -DANCING FARMERS 122 - -LODEWYK AND HIS CARDS 123 - -LODEWYK 124 - -ANNIE THE WITCH ALWAYS CAME TO BLOW THEM DOWN 125 - -THE GIANT AND FIVE HIGHWAYMEN 126 - -HE NEVER LEFT HIS CASTLE EXCEPT TO INFLICT PUNISHMENT 127 - -SHE VENTURED TO TAKE A LITTLE WALK 128 - -TOOK HER FATHER’S HAND 129 - -HE WAS NO MORE THAN THREE FEET HIGH 130 - -LED BY TWO PAGES 131 - -ABOUT MIDNIGHT A TERRIBLE STORM AROSE 132 - -SHE RAN UP TO THE TOWER 133 - -HE LET FALL THE BUNCH OF KEYS 135 - -RIPE NUTS IN THEIR CUPS 136 - -I FILLED MY POCKETS 137 - -I SAW SOMETHING WHITE 138 - -COULD I DARE TO KNOCK? 139 - -BEHIND THOSE TWO LARGE TUBS 141 - -“I SMELL HUMAN FLESH” 141 - -I SAW HIS BODY 142 - -I WAS PERCHED THERE ON THE TOP OF THE TREE 144 - -“I HAVE JUST FALLEN DOWN THE CHIMNEY” 145 - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: ST. PETER AND THE TWO WOMEN] - - - - -THE RICH WOMAN AND THE POOR WOMAN - - -On a cold winter night, thousands of years ago, St. Peter took one of -his occasional walks on earth. Towards nightfall he knocked at a rich -peasant’s door. The farmer’s wife was busy making pancakes in her cosy -kitchen. Her little chubby baby was watching her as she poured the -batter into the frying-pan. She spied the stranger through the window, -and said to herself, “This fellow is attracted by the good smell, but I -do not waste my pancakes on strangers.” She sent the beggar away, -wishing him God-speed. - -He went on his way, and presently arrived at a mud cabin, where a poor -widow lived with her six children. On hearing the old man begging her to -have pity on him for God’s sake, she opened the door and bade him stay -the night in her little hut. “Night is falling,” she said; “it is -bitterly cold, stay with us, and you shall have my bedroom. I will doze -in a chair near the fire.” The stranger gratefully accepted her offer, -and after having supped, retired to bed. - -Before leaving the next day, he thanked the good woman, and said to her, -“Listen, little mother: as you welcomed me in your house, I give you a -wish; ask anything you like and you shall have it.” The good woman -thought at once of an unfinished roll of cloth which her dead husband -was weaving a little before his death. Without further hesitation, she -answered, “My good man, as you are so kind and so powerful, grant that -the work which I begin the first thing in the morning may continue all -day.” “It shall be as you wish,” said the stranger, as he bade her -good-bye. Her six children accompanied him to the outskirts of the -village, where they bade him God-speed. - -[Illustration: SHE SENT THE BEGGAR AWAY, WISHING HIM GOD-SPEED] - -Very early the next day the busy little woman began to measure the piece -of cloth, which was about twelve yards long. Marvellous to relate, she -measured and measured, and she found that when she had measured a -certain length of cloth the pattern, texture, and designs changed. She -then cut it off carefully and rolled it up, and thus as the day advanced -she had rolls of cloth of every imaginable shade, design, and material. -They filled the whole cabin to the rafters; there was scarcely room to - - -[Illustration: THE RICH WOMAN AND THE POOR WOMAN: THE TWO FARMS AT -CHRISTMAS EVE] - -when he said, “Woman, I can give you nothing in return for your kind -hospitality, but I grant that the first work you undertake to-morrow -will last all day.” Then he went on his way. - -The woman was overwhelmed with joy. “To-morrow we shall be very rich,” -she said to her husband. “I shall be more cunning than my neighbour; I -shall count money all day. I shall not waste a minute; I shall get up at -midnight, for before daybreak I must make some bags to pour our fortune -into.” - -All that night she never closed her eyes; on the stroke of midnight she -sprang from her bed, and seizing the scissors she began to cut out the -bags. But strange to say, she cut and cut until all the stuff was in -fragments. Try as she would, she was obliged to go on cutting; she -seized linen, shirts, sheets, tablecloths, napkins, handkerchiefs; even -the window curtains did not escape. Then it was the turn of the -wardrobe. Throwing it open, she took out her husband’s wedding suit. -“Look!” she said, as she cut off his coat-tails, “these will make two -more bags. Here are strings for the bags,” she added, snipping off her -best bonnet-strings. She went on cutting without a pause. By night she -had cut up everything except the clothes she was wearing. Her husband -looked on at this terrible scene, howling with rage, while his wife -sighed and cried with vexation. There was nothing left; her husband only -managed to save the shirt he was wearing by running up the stairs as -midnight struck. - -The news of this disaster spread like wild-fire far and wide, but no one -pitied the woman. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: SEPPY WORKING IN THE FIELDS] - - - - -THE STORY OF SEPPY WHO WISHED TO MANAGE HIS OWN HOUSE - - -Seppy and Bella lived together in a very small house. There was only one -room, which served as kitchen, bedroom, and stable for the animals. - -All they possessed was a pig, a cow, and some hens. The pig lay on some -straw between two stakes in one corner of the room, the cow was tied up -to a wooden trough in another corner, the hens roosted on the rafters. - -It was not a happy household; quarrels were frequent, and Seppy was -always finding fault with Bella. When he came in from his work at midday -the potatoes were either too hot or too cold, the soup too thick or too -thin, and he reproached Bella bitterly, declaring that she lived a life -of idleness, while he worked like a slave in the fields. - -These scenes became so frequent that Bella grew tired of this -cat-and-dog life. - -One day, when he began to grumble as usual, she defied him, insisting -that the next morning they should change places: she would go to work -like a slave in the fields, while he should stay at home to do the -cooking. “He will soon see,” she said, “that when all the work has been -done properly, there is no time for twiddling one’s thumbs.” - -Very early next morning Bella started off with a sack and a scythe to -cut grass for the animals. - -Seppy remained at home and took off his coat, saying to himself, “I will -show her how clever I am.” - -It was a Wednesday, the day for butter-making. Seppy put the churn on -the three-legged stool in the middle of the room, poured in the milk, -and began to churn gaily. He heard the milk beating against the sides of -the churn, and whistled happily as he worked. - -Presently he heard the stout village priest tramping up the road. He -stopped at Seppy’s cottage, put his head in at the door and asked for a -glass of water, being very hot and red in the face from having walked so -far. - -[Illustration: HOWEVER, THE PRIEST HAD A GLASS] - -“Water is very dangerous; wouldn’t you rather have a small jug of beer?” -said Seppy. He left the churn and went to the beer-barrel which stood on -three bricks in a corner of the room, as far as possible from the fire. -The barrel had not been tapped. Seppy found the key and set about -piercing the bung, using his shoe instead of a hammer. He gave such a -heavy blow that he pierced right through the barrel. The beer ran all -over the floor. However, the priest had a glass, and, much refreshed, he -wished Seppy good day and went on his way. - -“It is too bad to lose all this beer,” said Seppy. He turned the empty -barrel on end, mopped up the beer with a cloth and squeezed it into the -barrel, and so succeeded in saving a little. - -Meanwhile the pig, attracted by the smell of the beer, set to work to -lap it up greedily until he could not swallow another drop. - -Seppy was very angry with the pig and gave him a blow, but as it showed -no inclination to lie down, he hit it so hard that it rushed out of the -door and fell into the well. Now the well was very deep, and Seppy tried -to drag the pig out, but in vain, and it was drowned. - -“The beer is spilt and the pig is drowned,” thought Seppy; “if any -misfortune overtakes the cow, or I fail to churn the milk into butter, I -shall be for ever disgraced in Bella’s eyes.” - -[Illustration: SEPPY WAS VERY ANGRY WITH THE PIG] - -He then remembered that the cow had had nothing to eat, and that he had -to prepare the soup before Bella came back. “Now I’m going to work -methodically,” he said; “I will hang the stock-pot over the fire, then -take Molly to graze in the field, and then finish making the butter.” - -The fire soon burnt up. When he led the cow outside he couldn’t find any -grass near the house, but he saw some growing on the roof! Choosing the -spot where the roof sloped very low, he succeeded after frantic efforts -in hoisting Molly on to the roof. He was re-entering the house when it -occurred to him that Molly might slip off the roof into the well and be -drowned. He went to the well, cut the rope off the bucket and tied it -round the cow’s horns, throwing the other end down the chimney. He then -ran into the house, caught the end of the rope and tied it round his -leg. - -“Now,” he said, “the cow cannot escape however much she may want to, and -Seppy will have made the butter and soup before midday.” - -The cream again lashed the sides of the churn, but Seppy had no longer -the heart to sing; he was thinking about the spilt beer and the poor -drowned pig. - -Meanwhile the cow grazed on the roof. The earth not - -[Illustration: SHE GRADUALLY SLIPPED TO THE EDGE OF THE SLOPING ROOF] - -being very firm, she gradually slipped to the edge of the sloping roof. -Suddenly, alackaday! she rolled off. As the result of her fall, Seppy -was drawn up the chimney, where the soup was boiling over the fire. - -Poor Seppy hung head downwards as far up the chimney as Molly was off -the roof. To add to his misfortunes he had overturned the stool on which -stood the churn, and so upset all the cream over the floor. - -When Bella came home at midday, the first thing that met her eye was the -cow, which being half strangled was dying outside the door. She quickly -cut the rope with her scythe. Imagine her horror when on entering the -cottage she found her husband hanging head downwards, dipping into the -stock-pot. - -[Illustration: SEPPY WAS DRAWN UP THE CHIMNEY, WHERE THE SOUP WAS -BOILING OVER THE FIRE] - -Seppy never grumbled again. From henceforth Bella busied herself with -her household duties. Seppy worked in the fields as before. - - Seppy said to the pots, he said to the pans, - And likewise to the stools, - That men who try to do women’s work - Are all a parcel of fools. - -[Illustration] - - - - -[Illustration: THE DEATH, MISERY, THE OLD MAN, AND THE TREE] - -THE ENCHANTED APPLE-TREE - - -Once upon a time there lived an old woman whose name was Misery. - -Her one and only possession was an apple-tree, and even this caused her -more pain than pleasure. When the apples were ripe, the village urchins -came and stole them off the tree. - -This went on year after year, when one day an old man, with a long white -beard, knocked at Misery’s door. “Old woman,” he begged, “give me a -crust of bread.” - -“You, too, are a poor miserable creature,” said Misery, who, although -she had nothing herself, was full of compassion for others. “Here is -half a loaf, take it; it is all I have, eat it in peace, and may it -refresh you.” - -“As you have been so kind,” said the old fellow, “I will grant you a -wish.” - -“Oh!” sighed the old woman, “I have only one desire, that is, that any -one who touches my apple-tree may stick to it until I set them free. The -way my apples are stolen from me is past all bearing.” - -“Your wish is granted,” said the old fellow, and he went away. - -[Illustration: THE VILLAGE URCHINS CAME AND STOLE THEM OFF THE TREE] - -[Illustration: “HERE IS HALF A LOAF, TAKE IT; IT IS ALL I HAVE”] - -Two days later Misery went to look at her tree; she found hanging and -sticking to the branches a crowd of children, servants, mothers who had -come to rescue their children, fathers who had tried to save their -wives, two parrots who had escaped from their cage, a cock, a goose, an -owl, and other birds, not to mention a goat. When she saw this -extraordinary sight, she burst out laughing, and rubbed her hands with -delight. She let them all remain hanging on the tree some time before -she released them. - -The thieves had learnt their lesson, and never stole the apples again. - -Some time passed by, when one day some one again knocked at old Misery’s -door. - -“Come in,” she cried. - -“Guess who I am,” said a voice. “I am old Father Death himself. Listen, -little mother,” he continued. “I think that you and your old dog have -lived long enough; I have come to fetch you both.” - -[Illustration: THE ENCHANTED APPLE-TREE] - -“You are all-powerful,” said Misery. “I do not oppose your will, but -before I pack up, grant me one favour. On the tree yonder there grow the -most delicious apples you have ever tasted. Don’t you think it would be -a pity to leave them, without gathering one?” - -“As you ask me so graciously, I will take one,” said Death, whose mouth -was watering as he walked towards the tree. He climbed up to the topmost -branches to gather a large rosy apple, but directly he touched it, the -wretch remained glued to the tree by his long bony hand. Nothing could -tear him off, in spite of his struggles. - -“There you are, old tyrant, hanging high and dry,” said Misery. - -As a result of Death hanging on the tree, no one died. If persons fell -into the water they were not drowned; if a cart ran over them they did -not even notice it; they did not die even if their heads were cut off. - -After Death had hung, winter and summer, for ten long years on the tree, -through all weathers, the old woman had pity on him, and allowed him to -come down on condition that she should live as long as she liked. - -This, Father Death agreed to, and that is why men live longer than the -sparrows, and why Misery is always to be found in the world, and will -doubtless remain until the end of time. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: TWO MONKS OF THE CONVENT] - - - - -THE CONVENT FREE FROM CARE - - -Once when the Emperor Charles V was travelling in the country, he saw a -convent, and in passing by a little door he read this strange -inscription: - -“Here you live without a care.” - -The Emperor was very surprised and could scarcely believe his eyes. - -“It seems to me an impossibility,” he thought; “does some one really -exist on earth who is free from care? As Emperor I am overwhelmed with -troubles, while here in this convent, which is a little kingdom in -itself, one would have nothing to worry about. I cannot believe it.” - -Immediately on setting foot in the village inn, the Emperor sent the -hostess to fetch the Abbot of this singular convent. - -You can imagine what a state of mind the latter was in when he heard he -was summoned to the Emperor’s presence. - -“What have I done to displease him,” he asked himself. On the way he -examined his conscience over and over again, and he could think of no -fault of which he was guilty. “I am in troubled waters; I must steer my -way through,” he said. - -When he was in the Emperor’s presence, the latter expressed his -astonishment at what he had read. - -The Abbot now knew why he had been summoned, and smiled. “Sir,” said he, -“does that astonish you? However, it is very simple; we eat, we drink, -we sleep, and worry over nothing.” - -“Well, Reverend Abbot, that state of things must come to an end,” said -the Emperor, “and in order that you may have your share of trouble, I -command you to bring me to-morrow the answers to the three following -questions: - -“First, What is the depth of the sea? - -“Secondly, How many cows’ tails would it take to measure the distance -between the earth and the sun? - -“Thirdly, What am I thinking about? - -[Illustration: HOW MANY COWS’ TAILS WOULD IT TAKE TO MEASURE THE -DISTANCE BETWEEN THE EARTH AND THE SUN?] - -“Try to please me or I shall exact a penalty from you.” - -On hearing these words, the Abbot returned to his convent with a heavy -heart. From that moment he knew no peace. He cudgelled his brains as to -what answer he could make to the Emperor. - -When the little bell of the abbey rang, summoning the monks to prayer in -the chapel, the Abbot continued to pace his garden. He was so deep in -thought that he was quite oblivious of what was taking place around him. -Even if a thunderbolt had fallen at his feet, he would not have noticed -it. - -“What a horrible thing,” he thought. “Is it possible that such a -misfortune has overtaken me? I cannot possibly answer. Who can save the -situation? Perhaps our shepherd could; he has a very lively imagination; -but talk of the devil----” - -At that identical moment the shepherd appeared, leading his flock. He -was very surprised to see the Abbot, who was always without a care, -meditating in solitude. - -What could have happened? - -Without further ado he went to him, and asked him what was troubling him -so deeply. - -“Yes, I deserve to be pitied,” said the Abbot, and he told him what had -happened. - -“Why are you tormenting yourself over a little thing like that?” the -shepherd laughingly replied. “Leave it to me, and all will be well. -To-morrow I will come here and dress myself in your robe, and I will -turn the tables on him.” - -At first the Abbot demurred, but in the end he yielded, and the matter -was settled. - -[Illustration: “WHAT IS THE DEPTH OF THE SEA?”] - -The next day the shepherd went boldly to find the Emperor. - -“Well, Reverend Abbot,” the Emperor said with serenity, “have you found -out the answers?” - -“Yes, certainly, sire.” - -“Speak, I am listening.” - -“Sire, the sea is as deep as a stone’s throw. - -“To measure the distance between the earth and the sun, you only need -one cow’s tail, if it is long enough. - -“Do you wish to know, sire, what you are thinking? Well, at this moment, -you think, sire, that the Abbot of the convent is in your presence, and -it is only his shepherd.” - -The Emperor laughed so heartily that if he has not stopped laughing he -is laughing still. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: JOHN TWIST AND THE WITCHES] - - - - -THE WITCHES’ CELLAR - - -John Twist was courting a young girl who lived alone with her widowed -mother. - -His friends warned him that they were both witches, and that he ought to -be very cautious, but he refused to believe them. One day, however, he -determined to discover if it were true. - -That day when he visited his fiancée, he pretended to be very tired, and -after having chatted a while with the two women, he tipped his chair -against the wall, drew down the peak of his cap over his eyes, in order -to see what took place without appearing to do so, and feigned sleep. - -“I think he is sleeping soundly,” the mother said to her daughter. - -“I will make certain,” said the girl. She called him softly by name. The -young man apparently heard nothing, and never moved a muscle. - -The two women were quite reassured. The mother put on a beautiful red -dress, and her daughter dressed herself in her best clothes. They then -removed two bricks from the back of the stove, took out a little jar of -pomade and rubbed it on their faces and hands. - -When they had put everything carefully back in its place, they went -out. - -Then John Twist got up, and creeping as quietly as a mouse to the door, -spied through the keyhole. - -“Over hedges and fences, towards Spain, into the cellar,” he heard them -say, and at the same moment they disappeared from view. - -“I must find out what it all means,” said the lover. He went to the -stove, took out the jar of pomade from its hiding-place, and after -rubbing it on his face and hands, said, “Through hedges and fences, -towards Spain, into the cellar.” - -He was immediately lifted off his feet, and found himself flying through -the air like a bird. He very quickly arrived in a cellar in Spain. There -he saw the two witches, in a company composed of all nationalities. They -all appeared to be mad. Some wore stove-pipes or saucepans instead of -hats. Some were half man, half frog or stag. In one corner, mysterious -dishes were in course of preparation, under the direction of a crow in -spectacles, who was holding the recipe in his claw. - -[Illustration: RUBBING IT ON HIS FACE AND HANDS] - -John Twist was in a deplorable condition. His clothes were torn to -ribbons, and his skin was grazed all over. - -“How is it that you have arrived in such a tattered state,” said his -fiancée. - -“I said, ‘Through hedges and fences,’” replied John Twist; “you may not -believe me, but I assure you I have left half my clothing and skin -hanging on thorn-bushes and palings.” - -“You ought to have said, ‘Over hedges and fences,’” said the girl. - -The subject was then dropped. - -The company then sat down to eat tarts and drink wine out - -[Illustration: DREW THE PEAK OF HIS CAP OVER HIS EYES, IN ORDER TO SEE -WHAT TOOK PLACE] - -of large goblets. A witch, in a large hat, with two black cats in -attendance, organized games. John Twist was so tired that he fell into a -deep sleep. When he awoke the entire company had vanished, with the -exception of an old man who was seated at a little table with a bottle -of wine before him, at the entrance to the cellar. - -“Where are the two ladies I know?” asked John Twist. - -“Gone,” he replied. - -“How shall I return home?” asked John uneasily. - -“There is one way,” said the little man; “ride astride this pig, and he -will take you home, but you must not utter a word on the way.” - -“Oh, if that is all,” said John, “I know how to hold my tongue.” - -So saying, he got on the pig’s back, and they started. - -[Illustration: THE PIG TRAVELLED VERY QUICKLY] - -The pig travelled very quickly, obstacles were nothing to him. He leapt -over hedges and ditches, until they reached a river twenty feet wide. - -“We shall never arrive on the opposite bank,” thought John Twist, but -the thought had hardly occurred to him, when w-whip--the pig landed on -the other side. - -“That was a splendid jump,” said John Twist. But, alack, the words were -hardly out of his mouth before he was struggling in the water. - -How he succeeded in getting out again, I am sure I do not know. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE WITCHES’ CELLAR] - -[Illustration: THE MILL, TONY, AND HIS MOTHER’S HOUSE] - - - - -THE BOY WHO ALWAYS SAID THE WRONG THING - - -Tony was a very foolish, stupid boy. One morning his mother sent him to -fetch a hundredweight of flour from the mill. - -Knowing how silly he was, she said to him, “Tony, you will say to -yourself all the way there, a hundredweight of flour, a hundredweight of -flour.” - -“Very well, mother,” he replied, and, slinging a sack over his shoulder, -he walked off to the mill. - -Presently he reached a field where he saw a peasant sowing. When the -latter heard him say “A hundredweight of flour” instead of “Good -morning,” he shouted to him, half in anger, “I shall be in a bad way if -this piece of ground only yields a hundredweight of flour; say rather, I -wish you a thousand.” - -[Illustration: “I SHALL BE IN A BAD WAY”] - -“All right, I will say that,” said Tony, and he repeated, as he went on -his way, “I wish you a thousand.” After a time he saw a shepherd and his -dog struggling with a wolf. The man, thinking that Tony hoped he would -be attacked by a thousand wolves, cried out angrily, “What, you -good-for-nothing! Say rather, May the devil fly away with him.” - -[Illustration: HE THEN CAME TO THE CHURCH ... ON TURNING THE CORNER HE -SAW A HOUSE ON FIRE] - -“Good, I will say that,” answered Tony, and with these words on his lips -he arrived at a cemetery where at that moment a corpse was being buried. - -“May the devil fly away with him,” said Tony. - -The mourners were very indignant. “Wretched boy,” said the sexton, “say -rather, God rest his soul.” - -“All right,” said Tony. He then repeated incessantly, “God rest his -soul.” - -A passer-by who was dragging a dog to the river heard him, and cried, -“What! his soul, foolish boy! Say rather, Get out of the way, horrid -animal.” - -“Good,” said Tony, and he repeated the new refrain. - -[Illustration: THE STORY OF THE BOY WHO ALWAYS SAID THE WRONG THING] - -He then came to the church, and at that moment a newly married pair came -out. When the bridegroom heard this strange greeting, he gave him a -sounding box on the ears. “There, I’ll teach you manners, you vulgar -little boy,” he said; “why don’t you say, It is a beautiful sight?” - -On turning the corner of a street he saw a house on fire. Tony stopped a -moment and said, “It is a beautiful sight.” - -The people who were bringing pails of water to put out the fire cried -angrily, “Say rather, I wish it were out.” - -“All right, I will,” said Tony. He walked on. He was now only two -minutes from the mill; the smithy was the last house he had to pass. - -The blacksmith had not begun his work at the usual time that day. He had -spent over a quarter of an hour trying to light his fire and had only -half succeeded. - -“I wish it were out,” he heard some one say. - -“Rascal!” shouted the smith. “How dare you make fun of a good Christian -man?” He seized his hammer and rushed outside. But Tony had such a holy -terror of this grimy man that he ran away as fast as his legs could -carry him, and is probably still running, in which case, no doubt, he -has met with many adventures on the way. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: HOP-O’-MY-THUMB AND A DUCK] - - - - -HOP-O’-MY-THUMB - - -Hop-o’-my-Thumb was a tiny little fellow about as tall as your thumb. - -He and his mother lived in a little hut made of dried leaves. - -The little fellow was very fond of pancakes, and on Christmas Eve he -begged his mother to make a dozen. - -The latter replied, “Oh, Hop-o’-my-Thumb, my son, I have no butter, -wood, or milk, and we are too poor to buy such things.” - -Hop-o’-my-Thumb was very sad and sat down on a stool by the fire, while -his mother went to fetch water from the stream. - -Suddenly he heard some one call him, and looking up he espied a little -lady standing at his elbow. - -[Illustration: LOOKING UP HE ESPIED A LITTLE LADY] - -At first he was too much astonished to speak, but after a few seconds he -blurted out, “Who are you, little lady?” She replied, “Hop-o’-my-Thumb, -I am your fairy godmother, and because you are sad, and your mother is -so poor, for this day I grant you the strength to do anything you may -wish.” So saying, she vanished. - -At first Hop-o’-my-Thumb thought he had been dreaming, and in order to -determine whether his fairy godmother had really paid him a visit, he -decided to put her words to the test. He seized his cap and ran to the -miller’s. - -“Miller,” said Hop-o’-my-Thumb, “my mother would so like to make -pancakes on Christmas Eve, but we have no flour. Won’t you give us a -little?” - -“Well, Hop-o’-my-Thumb,” said the miller, “if you can carry this -flour-bin away you can have it.” - -“Do you mean that I can have whatever I can carry?” asked -Hop-o’-my-Thumb. - -The miller nodded his assent, and Hop-o’-my-Thumb crawled under the mill -and carried it and the entire contents home. - -Afterwards he went to the butter merchant. “Boss,” he said, “my mother -would so like to make pancakes, but she has not a scrap of butter.” - -“Oh, all right, Hop-o’-my-Thumb,” said the boss, “if you can carry this -keg it is yours.” - -“Ah! thank you,” replied Hop-o’-my-Thumb. In a second he was under the -keg, which moved off as if it had two legs. - -From thence he went to a wealthy farmer who had been lopping his trees -the day before. - -“Farmer,” said Hop-o’-my-Thumb, “can I have a little bundle of wood, my -mother wants to make pancakes.” - -“Oh, it is you, little Hop-o’-my-Thumb,” said the farmer. “You can have -the whole stack if you can carry it.” - -“I shall be ever grateful,” said Hop-o’-my-Thumb, and sliding under the -stack he carried it home. - -They now only lacked milk. Hop-o’-my-Thumb went to the milkman, and -making a like request was given permission to carry away a whole can. - - -II - -When the pancakes had been fried, and mother and son had enjoyed -themselves to the full, the farmer who had given them - -[Illustration: HOP-O’-MY-THUMB AND THE ROBBERS] - -the milk came to ask Hop-o’-my-Thumb’s mother if her son could take his -cows to graze the next day. - -[Illustration: HOP-O’-MY-THUMB THREW THEM SOME CRUMBS] - -Next morning Hop-o’-my-Thumb went off to the field, taking a large -pancake with him. On the way he came to a stream which was too wide for -him to jump. - -Fortunately some ducks were swimming about. Hop-o’-my-Thumb, who was a -sharp little fellow, threw them some crumbs of pancake, which they -swallowed greedily. - -In recognition of his kindness the largest duck took him on his back and -swam towards the opposite bank of the stream. In midstream he let poor -little Hop-o’-my-Thumb fall into the water. However, after giving the -ducks a few more crumbs he was landed safely on the other side on the -back of another duck. - -Hop-o’-my-Thumb, tired by his walk and wet through, lay down in the -grass to rest. Presently an ant ran over the back of his hand. This so -annoyed Hop-o’-my-Thumb that he caught it and killed it. - -No sooner had he done so than he heard some one calling him. He -recognized the voice of his fairy godmother, and looking up saw her in -the grass. - -This time she looked angrily at him. “Oh, Hop-o’-my-Thumb,” she said, “I -am much disappointed in you. Up till now I have protected you because -you are such a little thing, but after your cruelty to the poor little -ant I withdraw my protection, and for one day you must suffer as do -other little things.” She then disappeared into the ground. - -Hop-o’-my-Thumb was very ashamed of himself, and, feeling very -miserable, fell asleep. - -Soon after a cow which was grazing in the field came up and swallowed -the little fellow. - -[Illustration: POOR LITTLE ANT] - -In the evening when the animals were driven into the shed, and the -milkmaid waited to milk the greedy cow, she heard some one singing: - - “This cow swallowed me at dawn, - Here I feel so nice and warm.” - -The maid was much frightened and ran to tell the farmer. The latter came -to listen and he heard the same thing. - - “This cow swallowed me at dawn, - Here I feel so nice and warm.” - -“I bet you ten to one it is Hop-o’-my-Thumb,” said the farmer. “There is -only one thing to be done; we must slaughter the cow in order to rescue -him.” - -While the animal was being cut up, a poor woman passed and begged the -farmer to give her a small piece of meat. - -As luck would have it she received the very piece in which -Hop-o’-my-Thumb was embedded. She put her present into her basket and -went her way. Suddenly Hop-o’-my-Thumb began to sing: - - “This cow swallowed me at dawn, - Here I feel so nice and warm.” - -[Illustration: - -I. THE KEG MOVED AS IF IT HAD LEGS -II. HE CARRIED IT HOME -III. MOTHER AND SON ENJOYED THEMSELVES -IV. SWALLOWED THE LITTLE FELLOW -V. STUCK THE POINT INTO THE SOLDIER’S LEG -VI. WAS PUSHED THROUGH THE VENTILATOR -] - -“Lord have mercy, this place is haunted,” cried the poor woman, and, -flinging away the bag, she ran for her life. - -Hop-o’-my-Thumb was greatly pleased and crawled out of the piece of -meat. - -At that moment he saw a soldier who had had too much to drink staggering -along, so he quickly hid himself in a mole-hole. The soldier fell down -on the hole and went to sleep. - -Hop-o’-my-Thumb pulled his knife out of his pocket and stuck the point -into the soldier’s leg. The latter bounded on to his feet, stamped -savagely on the hole, and returned home. - -Hop-o’-my-Thumb was now a prisoner; the soldier had stamped the ground -so hard that it was impossible to get out. He heard people coming down -the road, and on overhearing their conversation, concluded they were -robbers. He cried out, “Captain, if you will let me out of this hole, I -will follow you and be your faithful servant.” - -“What is this whispering I hear?” said the captain. - -Every one listened attentively, and finally they were able to catch what -little Hop-o’-my-Thumb was saying. They scraped the earth away, and -Hop-o’-my-Thumb appeared. He was at once enrolled as a member of the -band. - -The same night the robbers went to a provision shop. Hop-o’-my-Thumb was -pushed through the ventilator, and handed a number of cheeses through -this opening. He then went to the cellar where the eggs were stored, but -he made such a noise that the servant jumped out of bed to see what was -happening. Quick as lightning, Hop-o’-my-Thumb crept under an egg. The -servant was about to crush the egg with his foot, when the clock struck -midnight. Hop-o’-my-Thumb felt himself lifted into the air. He was drawn -out through the cellar window, and presently found himself at the door -of his mother’s cottage. He knew that his fairy godmother had saved him, -and from that day forward he never did anything to forfeit her -protection. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE CAPTAIN, THE PEASANT, THE PARROT, AND THE EMPEROR] - - - - -THE EMPEROR’S PARROT - - -One day a parrot belonging to the Emperor Charlemagne escaped from its -cage and could nowhere be found. - -The Emperor, who was very fond of this parrot, which was a lovely bird, -and could talk very well, promised a handsome reward for its recovery. - -A peasant was fortunate enough to catch it one morning. “What luck to be -able to see the Emperor,” he said, “and to be assured of being well -received.” - -Without further delay he talked the matter over with Caroline, his wife, -in order to settle what he should wear and how he should behave at -Court. - -He decided to start on his journey the following Sunday. - -He carefully brushed his wedding suit before putting it on, and thus in -his Sunday best, with shining boots and chimney-pot hat, he set out for -the Flemish town, carrying the parrot. - -On his arrival at Ghent, he boldly entered the palace. Suddenly a loud -voice cried, “Stop, peasant, do not approach a step nearer.” - -It was the captain of the guard who tried to prevent our hero from -entering. - -[Illustration: HE GAVE HIM BACK THE PARROT AS GALLANTLY AS HE COULD] - -The peasant was not to be so easily deterred and said determinedly, “I -demand an audience with the Emperor.” - -“What have you to say to him?” asked the captain. - -“I am bringing back the Emperor’s parrot,” the peasant replied, and -proudly drawing his coat-tails on one side he showed the cage containing -the bird. - -“Oh, that somewhat alters the case,” replied the captain, who knew that -the Emperor was searching for the bird and would reward the finder -handsomely. “Nevertheless,” he continued, “I shall not permit you to -pass unless you promise to give me half the reward.” - -“I agree,” said the peasant, and he went in. - -When he was in the Emperor’s presence he gave him back the parrot as -gallantly as he could. The Emperor was overjoyed to have his favourite -bird again, and gave orders that the promised reward should be given to -the peasant. But our hero said, “May I be allowed to make a -suggestion?” - -“Certainly,” said the Emperor; “ask what you will.” - -“Very well, instead of giving me money, I beg you to give me a couple of -blows.” - -At first the Emperor and his courtiers were much astonished, and then -they burst out laughing. - -They naturally thought the man was joking, but seeing that he was quite -serious and insisted, the Emperor gave him the two blows he desired. - -The little peasant bowed respectfully and left the hall with a smile on -his face. When a good distance away he could still hear the courtiers -laughing. With an indifferent air he passed the gateway, having -apparently quite forgotten his promise to the captain of the guard. - -“Hallo! my good man,” cried the captain, “where are you off to in such a -hurry?” - -“I am going home,” he replied. - -“Yes, but do you not remember that in order to gain an entrance you -promised me half your reward?” - -“It is true, you are right,” said the peasant, and turning round quite -close to the captain, he gave him such a blow in the face that he saw -stars. I leave you to imagine the captain’s anger. - -[Illustration: HE KICKED AND STRUGGLED VIOLENTLY] - -“Scamp, good-for-nothing,” he cried. “I will pay you out for this. -Arrest this vulgar person,” he ordered, “and lock him up in the prison.” - -Our peasant, however, had no intention of being led like a lamb to the -slaughter. He kicked and struggled violently, and made such an uproar in -the guard-room that the Emperor heard it. - -The latter soon arrived on the scene and was struck dumb on hearing that -the peasant had had the effrontery to strike a - -[Illustration: A PEASANT WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO CATCH IT] - -superior officer in the face. It was too much. The Emperor told the -peasant what a very serious offence he had committed in flouting the -military authority. - -“Sir,” said the good man, “I have in no way flouted the authority of the -guard.” - -“Come, come,” said the Emperor, “how can you deny it, when you have even -dared to strike the captain?” - -“Sir, if I did it, it was at his own request,” replied the man coolly. - -“What do you mean?” - -“Sir, I could only obtain audience of your Majesty after having promised -to give half my reward to the captain. Did I not receive two blows as -reward, and ought I not to give him one of them? That is the whole -matter; let your Majesty judge for himself.” - -On hearing these words the Emperor turned to his courtiers and said, “I -believe this peasant to be blessed with more than ordinary intelligence, -and that he could render us great service in State affairs.” - -Our hero returned home, and after a few days was summoned to the Court -to take up an important office. - -The captain of the guard, on the contrary, was dismissed in disgrace. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE BLACKSMITH VERHOLEN AND A DEVIL] - - - - -THE LITTLE BLACKSMITH VERHOLEN - - -The little blacksmith was seated on a low stool with his elbows on his -anvil, a prey to gloomy thoughts. - -Indeed, things were going very badly for him. He, who was formerly the -merry wag of the village, scarcely dared to go out for fear of meeting -his friends and acquaintances, whose indiscreet questions made him blush -with shame. - -Gone were the days when his anvil rang merrily under the blows of ten -workmen from dawn till often far into the night. Gone also the days when -the savoury smell of ham and sausages pervaded the house, and his cellar -was well stocked with barrels of delightful Brussels beer. The workmen -had all left; there was now barely enough work for one. There was dearth -in the kitchen, and Smith’s brewer lived at the bottom of a brick well, -under the walnut-tree in front of his door. - -He had lost all his customers. It was useless to give him work, as he -had no money with which to procure the necessary materials. Of iron -there were a few rusty scraps in the corners. Of coal there was hardly -enough to heat the oven for an hour, and he was unable to buy any more. - -[Illustration: A GENTLE KNOCKING AT THE DOOR] - -Yes! the village urchins spoke true when they sang outside his window in -the evening: - - Smith Verholen, - Smith Verholen, - Without wood and without coal, - Without iron and without lead, - Ah! is Smith Verholen dead? - -Dead! No, he did not wish to die, however miserable he felt, for that -would mean the end of all things, and one is dead such a long time! - -He loved to live and to let live, and he still retained a grain of faith -in the old proverb, “While there is life there is hope.” - -When evening fell, Smith, who for obvious reasons had no thoughts of -supper, was aroused from his dreams by a gentle knocking at the door. - -No, that could not be an urchin playing him a trick, or a customer, as -every one in the village knew of his distress. A stranger perhaps? - -Smith got up, opened the door, and saw an old man carrying a carpenter’s -bag and leading a donkey, on which sat a young woman, feeding her little -baby. By force of habit, Smith said, “What can I do for you, my friend?” - -“Smith,” replied the old man, “I know it is a late hour to trouble you; -but we have come a very long way, and we have still a very long way to -travel to-night. My donkey has cast a shoe; I beg you to shoe the beast -at once, that we may continue our journey.” - -“I would do so with pleasure, my friend,” said the blacksmith, “but I am -very much afraid I have not a horseshoe left. You have no doubt noticed -how poverty-stricken I am. However, come along.” - -He immediately began to search right and left to see if he could -discover a small piece of iron. - -“Perhaps I shall find enough to shoe your donkey, and then I shall be -very pleased to do what you ask.” He then turned to the young woman, who -had dismounted, and said, “Rest yourself in the kitchen. If there is -bread and milk in the larder, I pray you eat it. I possess very little, -but what I have is at your service.” - -Smith unearthed an old shoe from a heap of old iron; the donkey was soon -tied up to the brake, and the fire was soon blazing with the help of the -bellows. The shoe was tried on, put back into the fire, and then on to -the anvil to round it with a stroke of the hammer, and everything was in -order. - -[Illustration: THE SHOE WAS TRIED ON] - -“What do I owe you, Smith?” asked the old man. - -The blacksmith, who had noticed the stranger’s poor clothing and -downtrodden shoes, shrugged his shoulders, and thought to himself, “Can -I ask payment for such a small service from these poor creatures who -have a long journey before them? I should be ashamed to do so, although -I have not a penny to bless myself with.” - -He answered, “You owe me nothing, my friend; I do it for you for pity’s -sake.” - -The old man’s eyes shone with a strange light, and in a solemn voice he -said, “As you have helped me for the love of God, I grant you three -wishes. Whatever you may ask of my wife, little child, and I, we will -grant you.” - -“Three wishes,” thought the smith; “no matter what I wish it will be -granted. These poor creatures so miserably clothed have the power to -grant them. Who can they be?” - -Only half credulous, he wished that any one who sat in his chair should -be unable to get up without his consent; that any one who had the -audacity to climb up his walnut-tree should not come down unless he -wished it; and, lastly, that anything that was in his purse should -remain in it unless he wished otherwise. - -“You might have wished for Heaven, and you wish for such childish -things, but never mind, your wishes are granted. Adieu, and once again -thank you for your kindness.” - -[Illustration: HE WISHED] - -In the darkening twilight, the trio set forth, and the smith standing at -his threshold saw luminous circles shining round their heads. He then -shut the door, locked it, and went to the kitchen to rest on the couch -he had placed there. He had hardly taken off his coat when--tap, tap, -tap--three short but loud knocks sounded at the door. - -“Who is there?” asked the smith rather crossly. - -No answer, but soon afterwards another knock. - -“All right, who is there?” the smith cried louder. - -“Rat-tat-tat.” Again the short hard blows rang on the wood, and only -after asking “Who is it?” for the third time did Smith receive an -answer. - -“Open the door, Smith. He who is before your door brings you happiness -and riches!” - -As soon as the door was opened, the night air wafted in a strong smell -of burning phosphorus, and a gentleman dressed in black from head to -foot, limping heavily with one foot, came into the kitchen. - -The gentleman had strange pointed ears, and a green light shone in his -eyes. - -“Smith,” began the stranger, “I know that poverty stares you in the -face; you, who knew prosperity and plenty, must find life insupportable -now that your larder is bare. You deserve a better fate. Solely out of -compassion for you I have journeyed a hundred thousand miles. I bring -you, if you will accept them at my hands, prosperity, riches, and -happiness. Come”--so saying, the sombre man drew a piece of parchment -from his pocket--“put your signature to this paper, and for seven years -you will have as much iron and coal as you need to employ twenty -workmen.” - -[Illustration: OPEN THE DOOR, SMITH] - -Smith thought, “You are the Devil himself, or my name’s not Smith. It is -not merely for the pleasure of possessing my signature that you will -give me a seven years’ supply of iron and coal. You have something up -your sleeve.” - -In order to find out, he asked to read the document. There he found -written in black and white, that after seven years the Devil would be -master of Smith’s most treasured possession, his immortal soul. - -However, our Smith was not unduly alarmed. “If I accept,” he thought, “I -am saved and shall be able to laugh in the face of those who have -despised me. If, on the other hand, I refuse, one day I shall kill -myself in my despair, and I shall be in the - -[Illustration: THE LITTLE BLACKSMITH WAS SEATED ON A LOW STOOL] - -hands of the little black gentleman. The best thing to do is to sign the -agreement. Later on I shall discover a means of saving my soul from -Hell.” - -Without further hesitation, he put his name to the paper, and even -before the Devil departed, the miraculous took place. - -His fire lighted itself, and a delicious joint of beef was roasting on -the spit. On the table he found a large jug of foaming beer, all kinds -of pastries, and, better than all, half a dozen carts drawn up at the -door of the forge, from which about twenty workmen were silently -unloading coal, wood, iron, lead, zinc, and even copper. They carried -everything into the forge. - -From early morning the forge again trembled under the strokes of the -hammer. They often resounded even after the village slept. - -Meanwhile the days flew by, days became weeks, weeks months, and months -years. Before Smith had had time to think about it, the seven years had -passed, and the Devil came to claim poor Smith’s soul. - -“Hallo! Listen to me, Smith Verholen. - - Don’t you remember that for seven years’ iron and coal - You sold to me your immortal soul?” - -Smith was as unperturbed as though he were serving a customer. “Hallo! -Good morning,” he cried, laughing. “How are you? You appear to be well -fed, for you have a face like a butcher’s, and calves like a groom.” - -The fallen angel was visibly impatient at this nonsense, and answered -sharply, “You know what you sold to my master seven years ago. No more -shuffling, follow me at once to Hell.” - -“How should I have forgotten our agreement?” said Smith. “How could you -think me guilty of such a thing? I am a man of honour, as I am about to -convince you. Only I cannot go with you in my working clothes, and -without washing my hands and brushing my hair. A moment’s patience. Rest -a while in this chair. I shall be with you directly.” - -[Illustration: REST A WHILE IN THIS CHAIR] - -[Illustration: CLIMBED UP THE TREE LIKE A CAT] - -The Devil, quite unsuspecting, sat down on the chair, and waited. A few -minutes later Smith reappeared in his best clothes. - -“Hallo! old fellow, have you rested long enough?” he asked. “I am quite -ready to start.” - -With a broad grin on his face, he watched the Devil’s vain efforts to -rise. - -“Oh, what has happened?” said the Devil. “It seems to me that black -magic is also practised here. I cannot rise from this chair.” - -“Yes, my friend,” said Smith, with the most innocent look, “it is a -little joke of my own. Do you know what it means? That you will remain -there at my pleasure.” - -The Devil made frantic efforts to rise, but all in vain; he was at -Smith’s mercy, and was as though screwed to the chair. This was hardly -to his liking, and when he saw Smith heating an iron bar, and glancing -at him significantly from time to time, he decided that his best course -was to take it quietly. - -“Smith,” he began in pleading tones, “listen to me. I will give you -iron, wood, and coal for another seven years, but for the love of God -let me get out of this chair.” - -“I accept; you are free,” replied the other, rubbing his hands, and the -Devil departed. - -[Illustration: AS MUCH COAL AS HE COULD WISH] - -Now the blacksmith Verholen had as much iron and coal as he could wish. -From dawn till evening the anvil shook under the strokes of the hammer. -Again the days flew by, became weeks, months, then years, and one fine -morning the same Devil came to Smith’s door, and cried in thundering -tones, “Hallo! How now! Smith Verholen. - - Don’t you remember that for seven years’ iron and coal - You sold to me your immortal soul?” - -“Ha ha! there you are again,” said our friend, and he immediately took -off his leather apron in preparation for a start. “You are a little -later than the appointed time. I have such splendid walnuts, I should -like to gather a little basketful to nibble on the way. I have heard -that devils like nuts. Would you gather me a basketful, as you can climb -so well? Come, will you do it?” - -The Evil Spirit, seeing no cause for suspicion, climbed up the tree like -a cat. - -When Smith returned, he cried in jeering tones, “Hallo! are you coming -down? Have you not gathered enough nuts? I am quite ready to start, you -know.” - -The little black gentleman, in spite of all his efforts, could not climb -down from the branches. They closed round him as though they had taken -root. Smith summoned his workmen and ordered them to burn the Devil’s -feet with hot irons. When the martyrdom had continued some minutes, the -Devil shouted to Smith: - -“I implore you to make them stop. I will give you iron and coal for yet -another seven years, if only you will let me climb down from this tree. -Ooh! Ooh! my poor toes.” - -“You are free as air,” answered Smith; and the Devil fled away as though -pursued by a devil himself. - -[Illustration: ORDERED THEM TO BURN THE DEVIL’S FEET WITH HOT IRONS] - -The years soon sped away, and this time Lucifer, accompanied by many -other devils, came to fetch Smith’s soul. He was dressed in deep black, -as though in mourning for his mother. - -Smith greeted this important person very humbly, and exclaimed, “Bravo! -bravo! I am very pleased at the prospective honour of travelling with -such an august person. I am extremely sensible of this great favour.” - - -[Illustration: THE DEVIL BEATEN THREE TIMES] - -“Come, be quick; I have no time to waste in idle words,” the Devil -replied. “You are awaited in my kingdom, where you will be treated with -the honour you deserve! Ahem! If you think you can trick me as you did -the other devil, you are very mistaken. Up you get, forward march!” - -“Sire,” replied Smith very quietly, “I have heard say that you possess -the power to make yourself as big as you like. I should like to know if -it is true, as I never believe such foolish tales.” - -“I most assuredly can,” said Satan with great dignity, “and to prove my -words I will make myself as tall as the tower of the village church.” - -He immediately grew so tall that he went through the roof, sparks -darting from his eyes, and lighting up the countryside: houses, gardens, -fields, and pasture land. - -“I must admit it is truly marvellous, but could you make yourself small -enough to go into my purse?” - -“I can easily do that,” replied Satan, and in a trice he was in the -little purse, the little enchanted purse, which was immediately shut and -placed on the anvil. - -[Illustration: “I WILL MAKE MYSELF AS TALL AS THE TOWER”] - -“Ha ha! You did not bargain for that, did you, my friend?” said Smith. -“Now you will receive a few gentle blows with the hammer.” Hearing this, -all the devils flew away in disorder. - -He summoned all his workmen, and each in turn pounded Lucifer with their -hammer, so gently, so very gently, until the prisoner promised never to -torment Smith again. On the other hand, he promised that he should -always receive his supplies of coal, iron, and wood from Hell. - -With a red-hot nail Smith burnt a little hole in the purse. “Sssst” it -hissed, and the Devil made his escape and disappeared. - -Again days became weeks, months, and years, and one day it was not a -messenger from Hell who came to the forge, but Death, who is no -respecter of persons, and Smith left the earth. - -He was now in a strange land, the land up above. He found himself before -a forked road. On the left he saw a wide, well-kept road with an avenue -of trees and flowering shrubs. To the right a rough and narrow path -overgrown with brambles and thorns. The wide road descended, and the -narrow path seemed to ascend a mountain side in the direction of Heaven. -Smith chose the wide road, and presently arrived before a high and -gloomy gateway, on which was written in letters of fire, “Hell.” - -[Illustration: IT WAS NOT A MESSENGER FROM HELL] - -“I am curious to see what it is like in there,” thought Smith, and he -deliberately pulled the bell. - -“Who is there?” said a voice from behind the door. - -“Only a poor blacksmith who has just died.” - -“What is your name?” - -“John James Francis Lewis William Verholen.” - -He had hardly uttered the word Verholen, when the door-keeper began to -scream so loudly that all the devils, including Lucifer himself, ran to -see what was the matter. All he could say was, “Smith Verholen is there; -the terrible Smith Verholen.” - -[Illustration: HE WAS DRESSED IN DEEP BLACK] - -[Illustration: “LET THAT GOOD FELLOW HAVE A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN”] - -Then hundreds of evil spirits trembled and shivered so violently that -the door creaked on its rusty hinges, and the windows of Hell rattled. - -“If that is the state of things, I shall never succeed in getting -inside,” said Smith, and he decided to retrace his steps, and to take -the narrow path. - -After walking some hours, he arrived before a splendid castle surmounted -with high pointed turrets, and surrounded by a high wall, in which was a -white carved doorway, on which was written in luminous letters, “This is -the Gate of Paradise. Here enter the good and wise.” - -Without hesitation, Smith decided to try his luck with the inhabitants -of Heaven. He very carefully wiped his hands on his leather apron, and -then knocked at the door. After a few minutes the grill in the door was -opened, and an old man’s bearded face appeared. He asked in a pleasant -but severe voice, “Your name?” - -“John James Francis Lewis William Verholen,” our pilgrim replied, as he -had done at the Gate of Hell. - -“Smith Verholen,” cried St. Peter indignantly, “you are reckless -boldness personified. How dare you come here? You sold your soul to the -Devil. Your place is in the nethermost Hell.” - -“That was my own idea, but they refused me admission. As I have come -such a long way, I beseech you, good St. Peter, let me at least look -through a crack in the door to catch a glimpse of the Divine radiance.” - -“You shall never enter here,” said St. Peter, and he was about to close -the grill, when a voice behind him said, “Little Peter, let that good -fellow have a glimpse of Heaven.... I know him, he is very good-hearted. -He gave shelter to Mary and me when we were fleeing into Egypt.” - -St. Peter did not altogether approve, but dared not oppose St. Joseph’s -wishes. He half opened the door, and Verholen put his head through the -crack and looked in. As quick as thought our pilgrim threw his leather -apron inside, and uttered all kinds of strange cries, such as “Ooh! boo! -ooh! my poor head, you are crushing it. Ooh! ooh! my ear, my neck, my -nose.” He pushed the door with his shoulder, and before St. Peter could -stop him, he was seated on his leather apron, and cried, “Here I am, -sitting on my own property, my friend. No one can turn me out.” - -[Illustration: “OOH! BOO! MY POOR HEAD”] - -St. Joseph laughed heartily, and St. Peter himself was forced to -acknowledge that Smith had played his part well. - -So Smith remained in Heaven and had as much work to do as on earth. He -had to repair the swords, breastplates, helmets, and shields which the -archangels wore when they amused themselves by punishing the devils who -became too bold. - -This work was a pleasant pastime for Smith. In his spare moments he -chatted a little with old friends he met in Paradise, - -[Illustration: THE PROCESSION] - -humble and simple folk like himself, such as the Girl without Hands, -Hop-o’-my-Thumb, Little Red Riding Hood, the Babes in the Wood, -Snowdrop, and Puss in Boots. - -There was one thing which very much displeased Smith. He enjoyed the -rice pudding with plenty of sugar, which was served in golden plates and -eaten with silver spoons, and the heavenly scones with butter spread -thickly. But he never had a drop to drink, never a hand at “whist” or -“bridge.” He found that dull, so dull that sometimes he secretly wished -himself back on earth, among his friends and acquaintances in his own -village in Brabant. - -It was Easter Eve, the bells of Heaven were ringing for the great feast. -St. Peter came to Smith, and said to him, “As you are aware, Smith, -to-morrow we fête the Lord’s Resurrection. On this occasion, the -heavenly host goes forth in procession. All the saints and all the elect -take part. I know you are very strong. Will you carry the large flag and -walk at the head of the procession? You will go out by the principal -gate, mount the fortifications, and continue straight ahead to the end -of the Milk-and-Honey Avenue. Directly you hear the sound of the cannon, -you will turn round. Every one in the procession will do the same, and, -retracing their steps, re-enter Heaven.” - -“Dear me,” thought Smith, “that may be my opportunity for returning to -earth.” He placed himself in St. Peter’s hands and promised to do his -best. - -Easter dawned, High Mass was over, and the procession set forth. Right -in front walked our Smith bearing the flag, then followed a countless -host of cherubim, seraphim, and other angels led by St. Michael, seated -on the flaming horse which drew Elisha’s chariot; then dressed in -glittering armour, all mounted on flaming chargers, St. Martin, St. -George, St. Victor, St. Maurice, St. Sebastian. All these had been -warriors on earth. Then came the martyrs, confessors, hermits, and -pilgrims--more than tongue could number; then followed the Blessed -Virgin surrounded by seraphim; and, lastly, Our Lord Himself clothed in -papal robes, under a golden canopy. - -Smith did exactly as he was told; he went out by the Great Gate, mounted -the fortifications of Heaven. He walked with great dignity and with -measured tread until he reached the Milk-and-Honey Avenue. Then -suddenly, “boom” the canon sounded, and was answered by all the echoes -of Heaven. Smith turned round, all the procession did likewise and -re-entered Paradise. When our standard-bearer found he was the last -before the gate, he signed to an angel in front of him and begged him to -hold the flag for a moment; he then turned round and disappeared to the -left. - -[Illustration: MILK-AND-HONEY AVENUE] - -In a few hours he found himself on earth once more before the door of -his smithy. - -No one in Heaven grieved at his departure. Smith recommenced his happy -life on earth, and from the words of the song which is still sung by -Flemish children, one may conclude he is still alive. - - Smith Verholen, Smith Verholen, - For seven years received wood and coal, - Iron, lead and copper, - From the devil Lucifer. - Smith Verholen may burn, may be knocked on the head, - But Smith Verholen is never dead. - -[Illustration: BALTEN, THE BARREL, AND THE WOLF] - - - - -BALTEN AND THE WOLF - - -Long, long ago, when the animals were able to speak, two brothers called -Jack and Balten lived in a little hut in a dense and gloomy forest in -Flanders. - -Needless to say they were very poor or they would not have lived in this -lonely wood. - -One day, Jack was sitting at the window plaiting a whip, while Balten -was at the fire preparing their supper. Suddenly a wolf rushed into the -house with his mouth wide open and ran towards Jack. The latter, seeing -his danger, looked to his brother for help. He had an inspiration and -cried loudly: “Balten, pour! Balten, pour!” Balten understood what Jack -meant. Quick as lightning he seized the saucepan and poured the boiling -soup over the wolf. - -The wolf fled out of the door howling with pain, for his back was -terribly burnt, while Jack and Balten, having recovered from their -fright, laughing heartily, watched him run off into the distance. - -When the wolf, half dead with pain and shame, heard peals of laughter -behind him, he turned round and shouted to them: - -“Ah, ruffians, good-for-nothings and scoundrels, you are much amused, -but wait; whichever one of you I see first I shall devour!” So saying he -disappeared among the trees. - -[Illustration: THE WOLF STARED AT JACK] - -Shortly afterwards Jack went to gather acorns for their little pig. He -was deep in the forest, when suddenly he saw a wolf a few yards in front -of him, watching him from among the bushes. - -Jack was very much frightened, especially as he saw scars on the wolf’s -back, and thus immediately recognized him as the one they had so -shamefully handled. The wolf stared at Jack, and on recognizing him -sprang at him, crying: - -“Oh, ruffian, good-for-nothing! You are one of the scoundrels who -treated me so badly that I dare not show my face anywhere. Wait! I shall -at once make mincemeat of you.” - -The wolf was about to spring at Jack, but the latter, seeing that to -fight would be useless, climbed like a cat up the nearest tree. There he -was high and dry and out of his enemy’s reach, as he fondly imagined. -But the wolf was not to be thwarted; smothering his rage he disappeared -behind the bushes. - -“I will stay quietly here,” thought Jack. “I must be on my guard against -this wretch. I lose nothing by waiting.” - -[Illustration: “BALTEN, POUR! BALTEN, POUR!”] - -He was right, for in five minutes the wolf returned accompanied by a -dozen wolves as bad as himself. - -“Ha ha, scoundrel,” he cried, “you will not escape me this time! If you -think you are safe you are greatly mistaken, you know. We shall have you -down in no time.” - -What did the wolf do? - -He planted himself firmly near the tree trunk and formed the base of a -ladder for his companions. They seemed quite accustomed to this trick, -for another wolf immediately climbed on the shoulders of the first. Then -a third and fourth followed his example. - -At first Jack was very much amused at the idea of such a ladder and -roared with laughter. But he soon realized that it was no joke, but a -very serious matter. The ladder of wolves became so high that Jack, -frightened out of his wits, had to climb into the topmost branches of -the tree. - -The ladder became yet higher! - -“Have you caught him?” cried the first wolf. - -“A little higher,” replied the topmost wolf. - -“Do not let him escape,” shouted the first wolf, “for it is a tasty -morsel and we shall enjoy it. It is such a long time since I have eaten -any that I quite forget the taste of human flesh.” - -“So do I,” said another wolf; whereupon they all laughed. - -Jack was in no laughing mood; he was so frightened that he had cold -shivers down his spine. - -[Illustration: THE LADDER BECAME YET HIGHER] - -“Oh, heavens!” he thought, “what a terrible death to be eaten alive! -What will my poor brother say when I fail to return? I have no means of -defending myself, not even boiling soup.” - -The wolf which was to reach him had already begun to ascend; he heard -him grunting and panting. In his distress Jack had an inspiration and -began to shout at the top of his voice: “Balten, pour! Balten, pour!” - -This had a curious effect. The first wolf, who supported all the others -on his shoulders and who knew by experience what “Balten, pour!” meant, -believed that Balten was behind the tree ready to throw boiling soup on -his back. He leapt aside as quick as lightning and ran like a hare. At -the same time all the wolves fell down one on top of the other, howling -fiercely. One had a paw broken, another a crushed foot, and a third had -his head smashed in. - -[Illustration: ONE HAD A PAW BROKEN] - -All swore at their cowardly comrade, who had organized the undertaking -and then so treacherously deserted them. Those of them who were still -able to run chased the coward and soon caught him. - -“Oh! that is the way we were to help you get the man out of the tree. -Your intention was to do us all a bad turn.” - -They all set on to the unhappy wretch, who only made good his escape -after having all his skin torn off and losing an ear. - -Jack, now recovered from his fright, was a spectator of this scene and -laughed long and loud. “What a curious result my crying ‘Balten, pour!’ -had,” he thought, and he returned home. - -More than a year passed and neither Jack nor Balten had met the famous -wolf. - -The time came when Jack had to take the little pig, now well fattened, -to market. After selling it, he was on his way home, when he was -attacked by robbers. They stole his money and knocked him about. Not -satisfied with this, they put him into an empty barrel, which they found -by the roadside, and nailed down the lid. - -Poor Jack was now a prisoner and could not imagine how he could ever -hope to escape. There was only one aperture, through which he could -hardly squeeze his hand. - -[Illustration: THEY PUT HIM INTO AN EMPTY BARREL] - -However, he did not despair. “Time cures everything,” he thought; “I -have been in greater danger!” - -For several hours he was thinking and meditating in the barrel. Suddenly -he heard a sniff quite close to him. He looked out and saw the wolf, the -famous wolf with scars on his back! - -Jack watched him, and as soon as the animal’s tail was within his reach, -he seized it through the hole in the barrel and cried as loud as ever he -could: - -“Balten, pour! Balten, pour!” - -This shout again had the desired effect: the wolf, mad with fear, fled, -dragging the barrel after him. Jack held tightly on to his tail, -shouting all the time as loudly as before: “Balten pour! Balten, pour!” - -The louder he shouted, the faster ran the wolf. The barrel crashed and -banged against the trees, it cracked and finally broke. The ribs fell in -and Jack found himself once more on his feet, none the worse except for -a few bruises. - -The wolf ran on and on. Perhaps he is running still? - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE MERMAID AND THE CHILD] - - - - -THE MERMAID - - -Long ago, in a little hut by the seashore, there lived a fisherman’s -widow with her only child. - -The water had a wonderful fascination for the little girl. Nothing -delighted her more than playing on the golden sands, where the tide -washed up thousands of shells. She ran gaily with her small naked feet -into the water, jumping over the little waves, which came rolling in -from the deep like little white horses. - -The mother, who still grieved in secret the loss of her husband, who had -been snatched from her by the cruel sea, looked on sadly at her child’s -play. She dreaded that the sea would steal from her her one and only -remaining treasure. - -“My child,” she besought her each morning, “do not go beyond the -sand-hills. The sea is wicked and cunning, my darling. It swallowed up -your dear father; do not go near the treacherous water.” - -However, she was not able constantly to watch her little girl, and it so -happened that one day she awaited her in vain. She searched for her -everywhere, ran up and down the sand-hills, questioning all the -fishermen she met, but in vain! No one could give her tidings of the -little girl. - -When evening fell, and the sun had sunk like a ball of fire into the -sea, the poor mother returned to her home in the blackest despair. - -Presently she heard a voice singing. The voice rose from the waves as -they lashed the sand-hills. She looked up and saw a mermaid with plaited -hair, and a crown of coral and pearls, standing waist-high in the water. - -The words of her song were: - - Under a roof of sparkling water - In a crystal palace, - My little loved ones play. - -[Illustration: SHE FELL ON HER KNEES] - -On hearing this, the widow thought that her child might be among the -little loved ones. She fell on her knees, and implored the mermaid to -tell her if she had seen the little girl who played on the sands every -day. “Yes, I certainly know where she is,” replied the mermaid, “she -grows and prospers with thousands of other children in my crystal palace -at the bottom of the deep blue sea. She is happier than any child on -earth.” - -With a fresh outburst of weeping the mother begged the mermaid to -restore to her her child. The water queen answered her that she was -touched by her grief, but that the sea never returned alive the mortals -it took away. The only thing she could do for the poor mother was to -allow her to descend with her to her watery palace in order to see her -child. - -“Will you have the courage,” she added doubtfully, “to follow me on the -mighty ocean for a hundred hours towards the West, and to dive with me -where the sea is deepest, far down beneath the waves?” - -“I have the courage,” answered the mother; “I am ready to follow you.” - -Then the mermaid swam ashore near the sand-hill. She - -[Illustration: EVERY MORNING THE MERMAID LOOKED IN AT THE WINDOW] - -told the widow to seat herself on her green and scaly fish’s tail, then -she swam away faster than the fastest ship over the surface of the -water. The boundless sea was soon plunged in the darkness of night as -they continued their journey towards the West. - -At length a ray of light was visible on the bosom of the ocean, and -presently they came to an archway of coral, which they entered. “Here we -are,” said the mermaid, “take a deep breath into your lungs; courage, we -are going to dive.” - -The dive was much quicker than the voyage over the ocean, and in a few -seconds they found themselves in the most marvellous palace that mortal -eyes have ever beheld. It was exactly as the mermaid had described it. - -The roof was of sparkling water. - -The building of crystal, flooded with a golden light. - -The mother paid no heed to these splendours. She looked around on every -side in the hope of discovering her beloved child. The mermaid led her -into a hall framed with silver, to a glass door, behind which they saw a -number of little girls and boys playing happily together. The mother was -allowed to look as long as she pleased, but was forbidden to enter the -room. - -[Illustration: A NUMBER OF LITTLE GIRLS AND BOYS] - -At first she could not see her child, but afterwards discovered her -among a group of merry children. She was in blooming health, and was -enjoying herself every bit as much as her companions. - -The mother was very unhappy, and begged the mermaid to allow her to live -in her palace, as she could not bear to be far away from her little -girl. Her request was granted, and every day she would look with -longing eyes through the glass door. She implored the mermaid daily on -bended knee to allow her to return home with her child, but in vain. - -One day she took pity on her, and said, “I will give you back your -child, but on one condition.” - -“Ask what you will,” said the mother; “I am willing to do anything -possible.” - -“You must weave me a cloak of your own hair,” said the mermaid. “Here is -a pot of ointment which will make your hair grow again.” - -The mother immediately set to work; she continued without a pause day -and night. - -Every morning the mermaid looked in at the window of her room to see -what progress she had made. She could only make half a cloak, as she had -used all her hair. She begged the mermaid to be satisfied with this, but -in vain; she was immovable and demanded that the work should be -completed. - -At length, after sad years of waiting, the wonderful cloak was finished. -The mermaid was delighted with it, and the little girl, now a young -maiden, was restored to her mother. - -The mermaid ordered a beautiful rounded barque, inlaid with shells, and -with a brazen pelican as figure-head. Four mermaids were harnessed to -it, and took the mother and her child across the mighty deep, back to -their own home, where they lived happily ever after. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE MERMAID, THE MOTHER, AND HER DAUGHTER] - -[Illustration: THE HALF-COCK, THE TWO FOXES, AND THE TWO ROBBERS] - - - - -THE STORY OF THE LITTLE HALF-COCK - - -Johnny and Molly lived in a little hut in the forest. When their parents -died they were left quite alone in the world, and had to divide their -heritage between them. They were dreadfully poor and possessed nothing -but two hens and a cock. - -The puzzle was how to divide these animals into equal shares. - -At last Molly said, “Let us cut the cock in two, and have half each.” -This was done; Johnny had the part with the head, and Molly had the tail -end. - -Molly plucked her portion of the cock, and put it into the saucepan. - -Suddenly Johnny’s godmother, who was a fairy, appeared down the chimney. -“Listen,” she said to her godson, “you must not put your half into the -saucepan; I will enchant him, and he will do anything you wish.” - -On saying which the fairy thrust her wand in the cinders, murmured some -strange words, and then touched the head of the Half-cock with her wand. - -The clock struck midnight. - -“Good-bye,” said the fairy, and she disappeared up the chimney. - -“That is all very well,” said Johnny to his sister, “but what are we -going to do with the Half-cock now?” - -Molly, who was the cleverer of the two, thought to herself, “If we had -money we should have everything we want.” She said, “Send him to Mr. -Brauncastle’s to fetch three bags of silver.” - -The cock started off immediately. - -On the way he met two robbers, who were much surprised, and said to him, -“Little Half-cock, where are you running to?” - -“To Mr. Brauncastle’s,” he replied. - -[Illustration: I WILL ENCHANT HIM] - -“May we go with you?” - -“Yes, hide yourselves under my wings.” - -The robbers settled themselves as comfortably as they could under the -Half-cock’s wings. - -A little farther on they overtook two foxes. - -“Little Half-cock, where are you going?” they asked. - -“To Mr. Brauncastle’s castle.” - -“May we come with you?” - -“Yes, hide yourselves under my wings.” - -In less than a second the foxes had joined the robbers. - -At length the Little Half-cock came to a large pond which was equally -inquisitive. - -“Little Half-cock, where are you running so quickly?” asked the water. - -“To Mr. Brauncastle’s castle.” - -“May I come with you?” - -“Yes, hide under my wings.” Drip, drip--the water joined the other -lodgers. - -Ring-a-ding-ding! The Half-cock rang at the castle door. - -[Illustration: THEY IMMEDIATELY MOUNTED TWO HORSES] - -“Tell your master that I want three bags of silver.” - -“What an impertinent creature!” thought the servant who answered the -door. He took the message to his master. The latter replied, “Put the -Little Half-cock into the chicken-run with the hens.” This was done. - -When night fell the Half-cock said to the foxes, “My good fellows, come -out from under my wings, and eat all the hens.” - -There was no need to tell them twice; they set to work with a will, -feathers flew in all directions, and before you could count three they -had eaten the lot. When the servant went to the chicken-run the next -morning, he was horrified, and said to his master in a trembling voice, -“All the hens have been eaten. The Little Half-cock is roosting on the -rafters, crying, ‘Cock-a-doodle-do! Cock-a-doodle-do!’” - -“Well, put him into the stable,” said his master. The servant did so, -but the next night the Little Half-cock set the robbers at liberty. They -immediately mounted two horses, and in the twinkling of an eye they -galloped off. - -“Now I know what to expect,” the servant said the next day, as he wiped -the perspiration from his brow. “This time the wretched thief shall not -escape me.” - -The Little Half-cock was shut up in a red-hot oven. Now it was the -water’s turn to escape, and the fire was immediately put out. - -The next day the water had risen to the first story, and the Little -Half-cock was swimming courageously on the surface, crowing as loudly as -ever he could. - -“Give him three bags of silver as quickly as ever you can,” said Mr. -Brauncastle; “get rid of him or he will ruin me and all my family.” - -The Little Half-cock went away and gave the money to his master. - -Johnny and Molly were now rich, very rich. - -They are very happy and get on well together; the Little Half-cock lives -with them, and is their best friend. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE WATER JOINED THE OTHER LODGERS] - -[Illustration: THE BLACKSMITH, THE DWARF, AND HIS HAT] - - - - -THE DWARF AND THE BLACKSMITH - - -Once upon a time there was a poor blacksmith who had no possessions -other than his wife and six children. He worked like a nigger from morn -to night, and it was all he could do to make both ends meet at the end -of each year. - -One day he went to see a dying friend who lived some distance from the -village, and it was very late when he returned home. On the way the road -wound round a hill, at the foot of which lay a wood. As he turned the -corner of the road he heard a strange sound. In front of him, surrounded -by an embankment crowned with willow-trees, was a field flooded by -moonlight, where several little men with long beards were disporting -themselves. They were throwing their red caps in the air, and catching -them very skilfully on their toes. - -Our blacksmith, who was not the bravest of mortals, dared not go on, and -hid himself behind a large tree among the bushes. After he had been -there some time there was a sudden silence, and quick as lightning all -the little dwarfs disappeared into the hill. On peering round him, the -blacksmith discovered that one dwarf remained behind. He seemed to be -looking for something. He saw him put his arm into a crack in the rock -several times and draw it out. - -“This little fellow cannot harm me,” thought the smith; “I should very -much like to know what he is looking for.” Treading cautiously, he -approached the dwarf. He discovered that the dwarf’s hat had fallen into -the crack, and that his arm was not long enough to reach it. He -immediately pulled it out and handed it to him. - -The little fellow thanked the smith, and said, “You will be rewarded for -what you have done for me to-day. We had a feast here to-day, during -which we are obliged to wear our caps on our heads. If I had lost mine I -should not have been able to attend the feasts for seven years.” - -[Illustration: “THIS LITTLE FELLOW CANNOT HARM ME”] - -It goes without saying that the smith related his strange adventures to -his wife, and they were very curious to know how the dwarf would reward -them. - -Every night before going to bed the blacksmith prepared the work which -he and his apprentice would begin the first thing in the morning. - -Picture his surprise the next day, when he found that the work had been -done during the night, and by such skilled hands that there was no fault -to find with it. His assistant, still serving his apprenticeship, was -incapable of such work. Who the clever workman could be he failed to -discover. - -[Illustration: THEY WANTED TO FIND OUT HOW IT WAS DONE] - -When the same thing happened the following night, the smith and his wife -decided to keep watch. They wanted to find out how it was done. - -The mystery was soon cleared up. Towards midnight, the smith, looking -through the chinks in the boards of the attic, saw the little dwarf -whose hat he had restored to him come in. The little fellow immediately -set to work, and worked without a pause till morning. It was splendid to -see how quickly he did it, and during this time he did more work than -the smith and his assistant could do in half a day. - -This went on for some time. The smith sent away his assistant, although -his custom had increased, and he earned much money, so that he and his -wife and children enjoyed good times, and saved a large sum. - -[Illustration: ANOTHER SET OF VERY FINE MATERIAL] - -The smith and his wife very often watched the dwarf at his work, and -they consulted together to see in what way they could reward his -kindness. One day his wife said, “I have an idea; didn’t you notice last -time that his clothes looked rather shabby? I shall make him another set -of very fine material.” This was done. The wife made the dwarf a set of -clothes fit for a prince, and in the evening it was folded neatly and -placed on a chair in the smithy. The smith and his wife went into the -attic to see what would happen. - -The dwarf was delighted with the clothes. He unfolded them and examined -them one by one, and his smiling face showed how pleased he was. He put -the garments on, and when he was dressed, he put on his little red hat -decorated with a feather. - -He was as proud as a peacock, and greatly pleased with - -[Illustration: THE DWARF’S FEAST] - -himself. At length he turned to the door and disappeared, this time -without doing a stroke of work. - -The blacksmith never saw the little imp again. The work prepared -overnight was no longer finished in the morning. The smith was obliged -to do the work himself, but his two eldest sons could help him now, and -so, thanks to the dwarf, they were always able to keep the wolf from the -door. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE WIZARD, THE TURKEY, AND THE COUNTESS] - - - - -PERCY THE WIZARD NICKNAMED SNAIL - - -Long ago, when women spun at their spinning-wheels, there lived a man -who was nicknamed Snail. - -Snail was very fond of a glass, and his wife had a weakness for -hotchpotch. - -Every week Percy Snail took the thread his wife had spun to market. His -wife never scolded him for losing a few pennies, or being muddle-headed -on the way back, provided he brought all the necessary ingredients for a -nice hotchpotch. - -One day he sold the thread at a high price. He was in good spirits; all -the way home he rattled the money in his pocket, thinking, “To-day I -shall be able to have more than one glass.” He went into every little -wayside inn he passed, in order to see where the best liquor was sold. -Little by little his money began to disappear, until he had scarcely any -left, and he realized at the same time that he was rather intoxicated. -He stumbled along the road as well as he could, and on putting his hand -in his pocket, found, to his great surprise, that he had only five -farthings. - -He counted them over and over again until he was forced to - -[Illustration: THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR A NICE HOTCHPOTCH] - -believe his eyes. The worst of it was that he had quite forgotten his -wife’s favourite dish. He continued his way meditating and calculating, -and quite unconsciously entered another inn. In a second his last -farthing was in the innkeeper’s pocket. - -He suddenly felt very tired and fell asleep with his head on the table. -When he awoke he felt better, and his head was clearer. He considered -what he had better do. He dared not return home as he knew what a warm -welcome he would have! He could not stay in the inn as he had spent all -his money, and innkeepers do not give credit. Although undecided, he was -about to leave the inn, when the innkeeper, pleased to have a chat so -early in the evening, told him that the countess who lived at the -neighbouring castle had had a ring set with diamonds stolen. - -The wealthy lady, who set great value on the ring, had promised a reward -of a hundred crowns to the finder. - -“Well, upon my soul,” thought Percy, contemplating his empty glass, -“that would be a stroke of luck for me; if I could discover the thief, I -should be saved.” - -[Illustration: IF I COULD DISCOVER THE THIEF] - -Without answering the innkeeper, he got up, went off at once to the -castle, and introduced himself as a wizard. - -The countess promised him a hundred crowns if in three days he succeeded -in discovering the thief. If he failed to do so, he would be sent away -in disgrace. - -The first day he searched all the nooks and crannies in the garden for -the lost jewel. He ferreted in every bush and ditch, turned over every -mole-hill, but in vain. Quite by chance, while he was feeling in the -moss and the grass, he saw three servants talking excitedly together. -Very ashamed at the thought that these men should have witnessed his -useless and ridiculous search, Snail passed by them still in a bent -position, but at the same time glanced defiantly at them. - -[Illustration: ONE OF THEM WHISPERED TO THE OTHERS] - -Now a strange thing happened. He had hardly turned his back on the three -men when one of them whispered to the others, so low that Percy was -unable to hear what they were saying, “Beware, my friends, be careful -what you say. This strange wizard looked at us as though he were -watching us; has he already discovered the thief?” - -In the evening, after Percy Snail had had his supper, the countess -ordered a valet to show him to his room. Percy was very depressed; one -day had passed without his having discovered a single clue. He sank into -a chair with a deep sigh, and as the servant was leaving the room, -muttered under his breath, “Poor fellow! That is one of the three.” - -When the servant heard this he was very frightened. He rushed downstairs -and said to his comrades, “My friends, we are lost, this stranger has -discovered everything.” He told them what he had heard. From that moment -they avoided Percy. - -The second day he searched in the attics and cellars of the castle, but -could not find the ring. As chance would have it, in the evening the -countess ordered another valet to show Percy Snail to his room. He was -more depressed than ever, and flung himself down on the bed, saying to -himself, “Poor fellow, you are to be pitied! That is already the second, -and still nothing.” - -The valet, who listened attentively, repeated these words to his -accomplices. “The wretch has certainly discovered all. I bet my life -that to-morrow he will tell the countess everything. We shall then be -imprisoned as well as lose our good places.” - -[Illustration: TO OFFER HIM PART OF THEIR SAVINGS] - -After a long discussion, they decided to confess all to the wizard, to -implore him not to betray them to the countess, and to offer him part of -their savings. - -This was done. They explained their position to Percy Snail, handed him -the diamond ring, and the sum of money agreed on between them. - -“Are you convinced now,” said Snail, taking leave of them, “that your -sin will always find you out? I discovered your villainy during the -first hour I passed in the castle. I will keep silence this time, but -beware if I find you out again.” - -Percy Snail, full of cunning, procured a little lump of paste; in it he -concealed the ring, and threw it to some geese and turkeys which were -feeding near by. - -“Ik, kih, ih-kih!” said a fat turkey, and “slok,” the little lump of -paste was swallowed. - -An hour or two afterwards Percy asked for the countess. - -[Illustration: THREW IT TO SOME GEESE AND TURKEYS] - -“Noble lady,” he said, “disabuse your mind of all suspicion against your -servants. That black turkey is the thief.” - -The bird was promptly seized and killed. - -You can imagine every one’s astonishment when the ring was discovered. - -Snail thought he would immediately receive the promised reward of a -hundred crowns, but he was rudely mistaken. - -The countess suspected that she was dealing with a rogue. In order to be -quite satisfied on this point she decided to put him to a second test. - -“I am lost in admiration at your ability,” she said in a forced manner. -“I beg you not to go without giving me another proof of your skill.” - -Snail, who knew full well what she meant, was very ill at ease. However, -he boldly replied, “Madam, I am yours to command, one proof more or less -is nothing to me.” - -[Illustration: THE COUNTESS HAD TWO DISHES PLACED BEFORE HIM] - -In the evening, when seated at table for supper, the countess had two -dishes placed before him, one on the top of the other. - -They fitted so exactly that no one could suspect that a little snail had -been placed between them. - -“Wizard,” said the countess, “listen to me; if you can tell me what lies -between these two dishes, I will give you fifty crowns over and above -those you were promised! If, however, you do not know, you will be -turned out of the castle, after receiving as many lashes with the whip -as you would have received crowns.” - -You can imagine how his heart sank within him. He was struck dumb, and -could not hide his confusion. He was over an hour cudgelling his brains -for an answer, but without success. He dared not open his lips for fear -of guessing wrong. - -He thought of his wife, and the whipping that awaited him, and his -courage slipped away from him. He strained every nerve in his agitation. - -“Well, poor Snail, poor Snail,” he sighed. - -Imagine his surprise when the countess said, “I am beaten, my friend, I -am beaten. It is a snail....” - -She lifted off the top dish. The insect was lying dead on the lower -dish. - -Our wizard’s joy was boundless. He received the hundred and fifty -crowns, and ran home with all speed. - -For a whole week he continued to indulge himself with little glasses, -and his wife ate hotchpotch every day to the honour and glory of the -worthy Snail, who by a stroke of good fortune had become such a clever -wizard. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: SIMPLE JOHN] - - - - -SIMPLE JOHN - - -Simple John had served his master, a cowkeeper, for seven years, when -the latter being overwhelmed by misfortunes was obliged to dismiss his -servants. Having no money with which to reward John for his faithful -service, he proposed to give him the one remaining horse in his stables. - -John, who had sometimes driven in the horses from the field on Sunday -evenings when the grooms were at the inn, jumped for joy at the -suggestion. He thanked his master with all his heart, and led the beast -from the stable. He set out on his journey home to his parents’ hut, -singing: - - “You set out on foot, you return on horseback.” - -In about half an hour he reached a cross-road, where he saw a peasant -with a cow harnessed to a plough working in his field. - -“What a strange and useful beast,” thought John, as he pulled up his -horse. “Tell me, man,” he cried to the peasant, “is that animal strong -enough for such hard work?” - -“If she chooses,” replied the other. “I wager she can pull as well as -the best horse, and not only can she draw the plough, but she gives -milk, which my wife churns into excellent cheeses, - -[Illustration: SIMPLE JOHN, THE HORSE, THE COW AND THE PIG] - -that make one’s mouth water. If one day we wish to get rid of her we -shall take her to the Brussels market, and any one will be pleased to -give us a bag of silver for her.” - -[Illustration: THE BRUSSELS MARKET] - -“Good gracious,” said John, “my mother should certainly have such a -wonderful beast, but as it would cost a bag of silver, I am afraid we -shall never have one. If only I could exchange my horse for one!--but no -one would do so.” - -“Oho,” thought the peasant, who already scented a bargain, “a horse in -exchange for my old worn-out cow, that would be splendid. Listen to me, -my friend,” he continued; “as you seem such a good fellow I am willing -to give you my cow in exchange for your horse. Tell me you are not -joking, and that the horse really belongs to you?” - -“Certainly,” answered John, “to whom should it belong? I have served the -same master for seven years, and have received this horse in lieu of -wages.” - -John was in the seventh heaven. “How pleased my mother will be,” he -cried, and went on his way without further delay. - -Soon after his path lay between two fields of ripe corn; suddenly a -strange sound arrested him, “Ugh, ugh,” and immediately afterwards a -farm hand came in sight with a willow twig in his hand, driving a pig -down the winding path. - -“Well, well,” said John, “what a pretty creature, what funny, roguish -eyes, and what a curious corkscrew tail! Tell me what that pretty beast -is called.” - -“This one?” said the boy. “Tell me first what you call the animal you -are leading, and then I will tell you what kind of pig mine is.” - -“It is a cow,” said John. “She gives milk, which is churned into -cheeses. I bought it for nothing. I only gave my horse, which I received -as reward for seven years’ service.” - -“Good,” replied the other. “You only gave a horse in exchange for your -cow. Well, my beast makes its owner’s fortune, and is certainly worth -more than a cow. If he finds something to nibble he rapidly becomes as -fat as butter. Then he is slaughtered and cut open. It is incredible -what comes out of him: liver, kidneys, ears, trotters, sausages, -black-puddings, ham, bacon, and carbonades. You can make brushes with -his bristles. Of course such an animal costs more than a foolish cow.” - -[Illustration: “LIVER, KIDNEYS, SAUSAGES”] - -“Oh, dear!” sighed John, when he heard this, “that is a lot of money. It -is quite beyond the likes of me.” - -“Listen,” said the other; “as you seem so anxious to have the -animal--well, because it is you, and to give you pleasure, I will -exchange it for your cow.” - -“Hurrah!” cried John, “mother will be pleased.” He was more overjoyed -than ever. Then he went on his way, driving the pig. - -He soon reached the outskirts of the village, and was at once startled -by a hoarse voice, which cried unceasingly: - - “Any knives or scissors to grind.” - -[Illustration: THE EXCHANGES OF SIMPLE JOHN] - -Whrr, whrrr. John drew near and was struck dumb with amazement when he -saw a wonderful machine, whirring round, at which a man was seated, -shouting as he worked. - -“Well,” said the man, “you are looking so attentively at my grindstone; -would you like to learn the trade?” - -“Isn’t it too difficult?” said John. - -“Not really difficult; a clever boy like you would learn in no time. -Yes, yes, my lad, it is a merry trade, and pays well. If you know your -job, your grindstone works unceasingly and turns merrily all day long. -Ah, my lad, if grindstones were not so expensive, every one would be -able to earn a living.” - -“Oh,” said John, “are these stones so dear? What did the one you are -using cost?” - -“Half a dozen pigs would pay for it. If you would like one, I have -another which I would give you for your pig, in which case your fortune -is made.” He showed him a fine large grindstone which lay at the bottom -of his cart. - -“My fortune is made,” said John; “I will willingly give my pig in -exchange for this stone.” - -He shouldered the stone and walked on. Unfortunately it was very heavy, -and being very hot, John stooped down to drink at a stream without -putting down his load. He managed very well, when suddenly the stone -slipped and fell into deep water. - -“Everything considered,” said John, “it is just as well it has happened; -the weight was breaking my back, and I shall be home all the sooner.” - -He shouted joyously and ran towards the house. - -“Little mother,” he cried, “I have had great luck; I exchanged a horse -for a cow, a cow for a pig, and a pig for a grindstone. The stone was -very heavy, and I lost it. Now I have nothing to carry, nothing to look -after. Mother, I am the happiest John in the whole world.” - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE TWO CHICKENS] - - - - -THE TWO CHICKENS OR THE TWO EARS - - -One day a parish priest had invited a relative to luncheon and wished to -give him something nice to eat. He ordered two tender young chickens to -be killed and plucked. - -In the morning, before celebrating Mass, he said to his servant: - -“Cook the two chickens for lunch and prepare them as nicely as possible, -as my cousin is very fond of his food.” - -“All right, your Reverence,” replied the servant. - -When the chickens were roasted, wanting to know if they were done to a -turn, she cut off a piece of the wing. - -“It wants another five minutes,” she thought; she then took another -little piece. That so whetted her appetite that she continued to take -pickings until nearly all the chicken had disappeared. - -“One is worse than useless,” she thought, so the second chicken -disappeared after the other. - -Crying bitterly she went to find the cousin. - -“Oh, sir! oh, sir!” she cried. - -“What is the matter, Catherine, a misfortune? Has his Reverence caught -measles?” he asked. - -[Illustration: THE FIRST THING HE DID WAS TO TAKE UP HIS KNIFE] - -“Worse than that, sir,” sighed Catherine. “I must tell you everything. -The vicar has been so strange lately. Sometimes when he returns from the -church and finds a visitor awaiting him, without saying a word he begins -to sharpen his knife and then cuts off both his ears. You must be on -your guard if he seizes his knife when he comes in.” - -“He will not catch me napping,” replied the cousin. - -The words were hardly out of his mouth when the priest appeared. The -first thing he did was to take up his knife. He was very hungry and -wanted his luncheon at once. - -“I will be off,” thought the cousin, and he ran like a hare. - -“Can you tell me why the wretched man has run away?” the priest asked -the servant. - -“He has stolen the two fat chickens and thought it wiser to disappear.” - -“What! stolen my chickens!” cried the priest. - -“Hallo! Hallo!” he shouted as loud as ever he could, “at least leave me -one.” - -Of course the priest meant one chicken, but his cousin, thinking that it -was a question of his ears, shouted back: - -“No, no, I prefer to keep them both.” - -[Illustration] - - - - -THE WONDERFUL FISH - -[Illustration: BEMOANING HER FATE AND REPROACHING THE ALMIGHTY] - -[Illustration: THE FISHERMAN, THE FISH, THE SEA-KING, AND SUSIE GRILL] - - - - -THE WONDERFUL FISH - - -Amid the sand-hills in Flanders not far from La Panne there lived a -fisherman named Tintelentyn. He was very poor; he worked from morning -till night and very often spent half the night wading in the water with -his shrimping-net. - -He had not been able to save enough money to build a little house. -Meanwhile he and his idle wife, Susie Grill, lived in an old -bathing-machine which they had received in exchange for some shrimps. - -Fisherman Tintelentyn was a good man and never complained of his hard -lot. His wife, on the contrary, who considered she had married beneath -her, lay in the grass in front of the machine day after day bemoaning -her fate and reproaching the Almighty for not giving her the riches -enjoyed by her friends and acquaintances. - -Poor Tintelentyn received the full brunt of her bad temper. In spite of -his hard work she reproached him with being stupid and lazy. - -Susie Grill being in a temper, the good man, despite an unfavourable -tide, took up his nets and went to the sea. He cast his nets in despair. -He was doomed to disappointment, for on drawing in his nets he only -found some shells, seaweed, and starfish; not a single shrimp nor even a -little crab. - -He was very downhearted and perplexed, when suddenly he saw something -red shining in one of his nets. On closer examination he saw that the -red thing was alive; it was a fish, which seemed to be looking at him -with its silvery eyes. - -“Poor little fish,” the good man said in pitying tones, “I am sorry to -have caught you. You are too pretty and too rare to fry. However, I dare -not throw you back into the sea, for Susie Grill will be so angry if I -return empty-handed.” - -[Illustration: STOOD UP ON ITS TAIL] - -Imagine Tintelentyn’s amazement when the pretty fish, which he held in -the hollow of his hand, stood up on its tail and began to speak in a -piping voice: - - “Little fisherman Tintelentyn, - Do not fry my bright red skin. - I beg you throw me back into the sea, - And all you may wish you shall have from me.” - -Without hesitation and with never a thought of reward, the fisherman -threw the strange fish into the waves. He was about to cast his nets for -the second time when he saw his wife coming towards him with her arms -akimbo. She immediately began to rail against him: - - “Tintelentyn, you stupid man, - What shall we put in the frying-pan - If you throw back into the sea - The only fish you caught for me; - If you prefer poverty all your life, - You can go and find another wife.” - -At first the poor man was too much astonished to answer. When he -recovered, he tried to excuse himself, telling her that the fish he had -caught was no ordinary fish, that he had looked at him so sadly and had -implored him so gently and with promises of reward to give him his -freedom. His wife became still more furious. “What!” she cried, “that -fish would have made our fortune. You had only to make a wish and we -should have been saved from this misery. You have thrown this wonderful -fish back into the sea without even asking for a good catch of shrimps. -You are an ass! Cast back your nets and wish for a large and beautiful -house with turrets, such as the wealthy live in. It must have marble -steps and be well furnished. If you do not catch the fish again, I shall -run away and you will never see me again.” - -[Illustration: A LOVELY HOUSE WITH LOFTY TOWERS] - -When the good man drew in his nets again, he found the red fish. When he -let it wriggle in the palm of his hand, it again looked at him with -pleading eyes and spoke in a very piping voice: - - “Little fisherman Tintelentyn, - Do not fry my bright red skin. - I beg you throw me back into the sea, - And all you may wish you shall have from me.” - -The fisherman cast a frightened glance towards his wife, who was seated -on the dry sand. Then with much hesitation he said: - - “O little fish so red and fine, - You shall live, O little fish mine; - But Susie Grill my wife desires - A lovely house with lofty towers, - Everything of the best must be, - O little fish, will you help me?” - -The fish stood up on its tail and said: - - “Susie Grill, she is neither mad nor shy, - What she has wished for is now close by.” - -The fisherman threw the fish back into the sea and turned homewards. Oh! -how wonderful! There on the highest sand-hill, where the bathing-machine -had stood, was a beautiful house. He could hardly wait to collect his -nets, he was so anxious to know whether this time his wife would receive -him more amiably. - -Proud as a peacock she awaited him on the marble steps: - -“Well, Grilly,” he asked, “are you pleased with me?” - -“Listen,” she replied, “it is true I now live in a beautiful house with -turrets, a marble staircase and rooms exquisitely furnished, but I have -no money. Go back to the sea ... catch the fish again and ask him to -give us as much money as the richest man on the coast between Ostend and -Dunkirk. Woe betide you if you return without it!” - -The good man again returned to the sea, and when he had caught the fish -and the latter again asked for his freedom, the fisherman answered, much -embarrassed at asking yet another favour: - - “O little fish so red and fine, - You shall live, O little fish mine; - But Susie Grill my wife - Wants to lead an easy life, - Heaps of silver and gold. - You will think her very bold. - But little fish, never mind, - O little fish to her be kind.” - -Again the fish arose and replied: - - “Susie Grill is neither shy nor bold, - She shall have riches and wealth untold.” - -When Tintelentyn returned, he found his wife in her bedroom seated -before a large chest overflowing with gold. She counted it without -ceasing, arranging it in piles of a hundred on the table. Before the -chest was another brimful of silver. She told her husband that she was -going to Bruges the next morning to buy a coach and four and to engage a -staff of servants. Her _chef_ was to be a master of his art, he must -out-rival the Count of Flanders’ _chef_. - -[Illustration: SHE COUNTED IT WITHOUT CEASING] - -“Well, are you happy now, little wife?” Tintelentyn murmured. - -“Well, to be truthful, no,” his wife replied. “I have mentioned the -Count of Flanders’ _chef_. How foolish I am, as we can have anything we -desire--why should I not wish to be the Countess of Flanders? Now I know -for what purpose I was born. I shall sit on the throne. I shall be a -queen. Go back as quickly as you can to the sea. Tell the fish what I -wish, and do not forget to add that you will accept some high position -at my court.” - -When the fisherman cast his net, he noticed that the sky was overcast on -the horizon. The waves became more angry than before and a strong breeze -was blowing. However, he soon caught the fish and said to him: - - “O little fish, so red and fine, - I’ll not harm you, little fish mine; - But Susie Grill, O little fish, - Has yet once more another wish. - Fish, dear little fish, I beg you help me, - Now Countess of Flanders she would be.” - -Standing up on his tail the fish replied: - - “If Susie Grill thinks it her destiny - Countess of Flanders she shall be.” - -[Illustration: “I AM NOT DISSATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE”] - -Tintelentyn could hardly believe his eyes, when instead of arriving at -the house he lived in up to an hour ago he found himself in front of a -palace, with pointed towers so high that they seemed to disappear into -the clouds. He saw knights and ladies going in and coming out, and -grooms in rich liveries. He dared not go in dressed in his ragged -fisherman’s clothes. Suddenly his wife appeared at an open window with a -crown on her head and a sceptre in her hand. She signed to him to -approach: - -“My man,” she said with great importance, “I am not dissatisfied with -what you have done. I even feel disposed to reward you handsomely. I -require a cup-bearer. Well, I will appoint you to this post on condition -that you return - -[Illustration: HE SOON CAUGHT THE FISH] - -once again to the sea and obtain me yet another great honour.” - -“Good gracious, wife,” exclaimed the good man, “are you not overwhelmed -with honours? You are richer than the richest man between Ostend and -Dunkirk, you hold the title of Countess of Flanders, you wear a crown -and sceptre, what more can you possibly desire?” - -“You are an innocent,” laughed Susie Grill. “Is there not a sky above my -head, and is there not a God who reigns in the sky? Go quickly to the -sea, catch the red fish. Ask him to make me as powerful as God. If you -dare to return without obtaining my wish, you will be hanged.” - -[Illustration: A MIGHTY SEA-KING] - -This time Tintelentyn did not hurry. He felt as though his legs were -weighted with lead. He stumbled along as though he had been drinking. -The sea was rougher than he had ever seen it. A storm was coming up from -the west. The wind whistled among the sand-hills, driving the sand -before it. Distant thunder rolled and lightning flashed. For the last -time the red fish let himself be caught. - - “Little Fisherman Tintelentyn, - Do not fry my bright red skin.” - -He spoke roughly, as though in warning. - - “O Tintelentyn, O Tintelentyn, - Do not commit this awful sin.” - -But the poor fisherman, thinking of the rope which awaited him, said in -a trembling voice: - - “O little fish so red and fine, - Help once again, little fish mine. - My foolish wife, Susie Grill, - Bids me ask her latest will. - Little fish, I beg you pardon me, - Now powerful as God she wants to be.” - -He had hardly uttered the words when the fish leaped out of his hand and -in his place appeared a mighty sea-king accompanied by mermaids and -strange sea-monsters. These words came from the sea-king’s mouth like a -curse: - - “Susie Grill, Susie Grill, - Nevermore shall have her will, - She loses all in committing such sin, - This night you will sleep in your old cabin.” - -When Tintelentyn reached the sand-hill, Susie Grill, dressed in her old -skirt and ragged blouse, was seated in front of the bathing-machine. She -was grumbling about the hard times and the small profits to be drawn -from shrimps. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE COBBLER AND HIS WIFE] - - - - -THE FRYING-PAN - - -Once upon a time there lived a cobbler who was very fond of pancakes. -His wife did not care for them at all. Every time he dared to mention -his favourite dish, she replied: - -“But, man, how can I make pancakes? You know quite well we have no -frying-pan.” - -“Well, borrow one from the neighbour,” he replied one day. - -His wife dared not carry her objections any further. She fetched the -frying-pan and she fried and fried as though she were frying for the -whole village. She fried for so long that the pan became too hot and -broke! - -Neither of them wanted to return the frying-pan to their neighbour. This -led to a dispute, and the little house, which was generally so peaceful, -was in an uproar. - -The man said that the person who had borrowed the frying-pan should -return it. - -His wife said that as it was borrowed for his benefit, he should -undertake this unpleasant task. - -“Listen,” said the cobbler, who was anxious to put an end to the -quarrel; “I have an idea. We cannot keep our neighbour’s frying-pan for -ever. Whichever of us speaks first, on no matter what subject, must take -back the frying-pan.” - -“Agreed,” said his wife. She pursed up her lips and clenched her teeth, -as much as to say: “Wild horses will not drag a word out of me.” - -The next day the neighbours knocked at the door and asked if they could -have the frying-pan. Neither vouchsafed an answer. Then they asked the -wife, and her only reply was to turn her spinning-wheel more vigorously. -Not a word escaped her lips, except a sound which resembled the noise -made by young chicks: - -“Sjip, sjip, sjip, sjip, sjip.” - -Then they asked the cobbler, who replied by hammering so loudly on a -pair of soles that, unable to stand the noise, they shrugged their -shoulders and went out. - -The same thing happened to the customers. - -The rumour soon spread in the village that the cobbler and his wife had -been bewitched. - -There was no time to be lost; their friends went to the exorcist to free -them from the spell. - -The charlatan, with incantations, prepared for the ceremony by crossing -himself and sprinkling holy water. - -In spite of all his efforts he was no more successful than the other -villagers. He only heard the woman say, “Sjip, sjip, sjip,” and the man -tapping with the hammer. - -The exorcist, now at the end of his resources, took the pail of holy -water and emptied the contents over the woman’s head, she being -apparently the most obstinate case. - -“Have you finished?” the woman burst out, while the water dripped from -her body like snow melting off a snow-man. - -“Dear little wife,” said the cobbler calmly, “you will take the -frying-pan to our neighbour.” - -The good man threw away the shoe he held in his hand and danced for joy. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: NEITHER OF THEM WANTED TO RETURN THE FRYING-PAN] - -[Illustration: THE THREE FARMERS] - - - - -FARMER BROOM, FARMER LEAVES, AND FARMER IRON - - -Once upon a time there were three peasants who lived in the same wood. - -The first had a hut made of broom. - -The second had a hut made of leaves. - -The third had a hut made of iron. - -That is why they were known as Farmer Broom, Farmer Leaves, and Farmer -Iron. - -One cold winter afternoon a wolf came stealthily into the clearing where -the three farmers had built their huts. He hid himself behind a thick -bush and hungrily watched the skaters as they glided over the polished -surface of the ice. At twilight, just as Farmer Broom had returned home -from the forest with a faggot of wood, the wolf knocked at his door, and -cried, “Farmer Broom, Farmer Broom, open the door, my friend; my little -hands are so cold, and my little feet are frozen.” - -“I will not open the door,” Farmer Broom replied gruffly. - -“Then I shall break it open.” The wolf hurled himself with such force -against the door that he burst it open, went into the hut, and sat down -by the fire. - -Farmer Broom was about to peel potatoes, and the wolf - -[Illustration: THE THREE FARMERS AND THEIR HOUSES] - -began to repeat in a hoarse voice, “Warm in the stomach, as I shall have -fat pigs. Warm in the stomach, as I shall have fat pigs.” - -[Illustration: HE BURST IT OPEN] - -“What are you muttering about?” Farmer Broom asked innocently. - -“Well,” replied the wolf, “you will be the first! But give me a potato -at once; I am as hungry as can be.” - -Farmer Broom put a potato on the point of his knife, and held it out at -arm’s length to the wolf, but the latter swallowed the potato, the -knife, and the farmer at a gulp. - -The next day the wolf knocked at Farmer Leaves’ door, just after the -latter had returned with a basketful of dead leaves which he had -collected from beneath the snow. - -“Farmer Leaves, Farmer Leaves, open the door, my dear friend; my little -feet are so cold, and my little hands are frozen.” - -“I shall not open it,” replied Farmer Leaves. - -“Then I shall burst it open,” said the wolf, and thereupon he threw his -weight against the door, forced it open, went in and sat down by the -fire. - -Farmer Leaves was also about to peel potatoes, and the wolf said in a -deep voice, “Warm in the stomach, as I shall have fat pigs. Warm in the -stomach, as I shall have fat pigs.” - -“What are you mumbling?” asked Farmer Leaves. - -“Well,” said the wolf, “I was saying a little prayer for you, but, -quick, give me a potato, I am dying of hunger.” - -[Illustration: THE WOLF WENT IN AND SAT DOWN] - -Farmer Leaves held out his knife with a potato stuck on the end, but -again the wolf swallowed the potato, the knife, and the farmer at a -gulp. - -The third day he went to Farmer Iron. The latter had seen him coming in -the distance, as he was entering his hut with a bucketful of water from -the well. He placed a large cauldron full of dried peas in the attic. -The wolf knocked, and cried, “Farmer Iron, Farmer Iron, open the door, -my friend; my little feet are so cold, and my little hands are frozen.” - -“I shall not open it,” said Farmer Iron. - -“Then I shall burst it open.” - -“All right, burst it open,” said Farmer Iron. - -The wolf made a spring and charged at the door, and dashed himself -against it until his paws were torn and bleeding. He lost so much blood -that Farmer Iron ended by taking pity on him, and opened the door. - -The wolf went in and sat down by the fire with Farmer Iron. Very soon he -began to say in a sepulchral voice, “Warm in the stomach, as I shall -have fat pigs. Warm in the stomach, as I shall have fat pigs.” - -[Illustration: FARMER BROOM AND FARMER LEAVES CAME OUT ALIVE] - -“What nonsense are you repeating?” asked Farmer Iron in a derisive tone. - -“Well,” said the wolf, “it is a little prayer for you, but give me a -potato, my stomach feels quite hollow and empty.” - -Farmer Iron held out a potato. The wolf was about to swallow it when -Farmer Iron suddenly pulled a string and upset the cauldron of dried -peas, which made a great noise as they ran out on the attic floor. - -“Whatever is it, whatever is it?” asked the frightened wolf. - -“The police who are tracking you down,” answered Farmer Iron, laughing. -“They want to hang you for eating Farmer Broom and Farmer Leaves.” - -“Good heavens, Farmer Iron, my friend, tell me where I can hide,” begged -the wolf. - -“Quick, climb into the attic,” said Farmer Iron. “I will not betray -you.” - -The wolf rushed to the ladder. Farmer Iron took a large saucepan of -boiling water off the fire and put it down at the foot of the ladder. -The wolf was in such a hurry that he slipped and fell into the saucepan, -and was terribly scalded. Farmer Iron pulled him out, cut him open, and, -oh, what joy! Farmer Broom and Farmer Leaves came out alive, each -carrying his knife with a potato on the end. - -They all three lifted up the wolf and threw him outside, and each -returned to his own hut. - -This is what happened in that wonderful country where after you are dead -you live happy ever after. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: LODEWYK AND HIS CARDS] - - - - -LITTLE LODEWYK AND ANNIE THE WITCH - - -Little Lodewyk built card houses, but Annie the witch always came to -blow them down. - -One day little Lodewyk grew tired of this and built himself a stone -house. He put in a fireplace and a pump. Now if the witch came she could -not blow it down. - -Suddenly he heard a knock at the door! - -“Who is there?” asked the little man. - -“Annie the witch, open the door,” was the answer. - -“What can Annie the witch want with me?” - -“Very little, nothing but a little fire.” - -“I have no fire.” - -“You most certainly have, I saw smoke coming out of the chimney.” - -“Then you must squint, my chimney cannot smoke. I have never lighted the -fire; you must have seen the smoke from my neighbour’s chimney.” - -“No, no, I am not to be taken in like that. My eyes are quite straight,” -and she went off in a huff. - -The next day she came back and again knocked at the door. - -“Who is there?” asked little Lodewyk. - -“It is I, my good man, Annie the witch.” - -“What can Annie the witch want with me again?” - -“Nothing much, only a pail of water.” - -“You know very well I have no water.” - -“Most certainly you have water, for I heard it gurgling in the pump.” - -“Then you have very strange ears. I have never raised the pump-handle. -No doubt the noise you heard came from my neighbour’s house.” - -“I warn you that if you refuse to open the door I shall cut off your -head.” - -Little Lodewyk was terrified; he put the chain on the door and hid -himself up the chimney. - -In spite of this the witch went in and searched for him everywhere, but -she could not find him. However, at last she discovered him seated in -the chimney, and dragged him down by the hair of his head. - -“Put your head on the table that I may cut it off,” commanded the witch, -opening wide her red eyes. - -“Willingly Annie, but tell me how,” said Lodewyk, who had a scheme in -his head. “Show what I am to do.” - -“Very well, place your head like this!” cried Annie the witch, and she -placed her large and hideous head quite unsuspectingly on the table. - -Lodewyk quickly seized his axe and cut off the witch’s head. - -Then little Lodewyk calmly fried a herring for his supper and smoked a -pipe. - -And then there came a pig with a long snout. - -And the little story has run out. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: ANNIE THE WITCH ALWAYS CAME TO BLOW THEM DOWN] - -[Illustration: THE GIANT AND FIVE HIGHWAYMEN] - - - - -THE GIANT OF THE CAUSEWAY - - -In olden days there was a feudal castle on the site where now stand the -Causeway and Giant’s Mount, in the town of Brussels. - -A giant lived in this castle who is reputed to have been over nine feet -high. - -This noble giant was generally beloved and esteemed, for in spite of his -capricious and brusque character, he was ever ready to exert his -superhuman strength in the defence of the weak. He rebuked the powerful, -exterminated brigands and robbers, and cleared the roads of highwaymen. - -From the tower of his castle, which he had built on high ground, he had -a commanding view of the surrounding country. - -He never left his castle except to inflict punishment on the wicked, or -in order to protect the weak. - -He consecrated all his leisure to his dear and beautiful daughter Helen. -She was his only child by his beloved wife, who died in giving her -birth. - -From her childhood Helen was accustomed to a secluded life and had never -left the castle grounds. In summer she amused herself with her sewing on -the top of the tower. - -[Illustration: HE NEVER LEFT HIS CASTLE EXCEPT TO INFLICT PUNISHMENT ON -THE WICKED] - -One day, when her father was scouring the country, she ventured to take -a little walk in the Valley of the Brook. She had only taken a few steps -outside the castle grounds when, on turning the corner of a little path, -she found herself face to face with a knight in armour, of comely -appearance. - -[Illustration: SHE VENTURED TO TAKE A LITTLE WALK] - -As soon as the latter saw Helen, he stood still, spellbound by the youth -and beauty of the young girl. He loved her at first sight, and bewitched -by her shy, maidenly demeanour, flung himself at her feet. Helen, for -her part, stood bewildered at these demonstrations of respect and -adoration. - -Suddenly her father appeared, followed by four prisoners he had -captured. He was leading them by a cord. He took in the situation at a -glance, and said to the knight, who was lost in contemplation of the -young maiden, “How dare you kneel at my daughter’s feet?” - -“Sire,” replied the knight, “pardon me, I pray you. I love your -daughter, and love has drawn me to her feet.” - -Helen trembled, for she had also fallen in love. - -“Who are you?” asked the giant. - -He questioned the knight in such a severe manner that the maiden -shivered, and blushing with shame took her father’s hand, murmuring -words only intelligible to him. - -“I am Harry of Housestone,” replied the young man; “I was knighted by -Lothario.” - -“That is sufficient; be quite frank with me.” - -“I see your gentle daughter for the first time. The sight of her fills -me with a happiness which radiates through all my being. I feel that -without her life is not worth living. If, sire, I am fortunate enough to -have won her favour, I pray you to give me her hand.” - -“You are worthy to be my son-in-law,” replied the giant. “However, I -have sworn that I will only give her in marriage to whoever shall be -able to construct a paved roadway in a single night. The next day at -dawn he must be able to take her on horseback down the Causeway bordered -by columns to St. George’s Chapel.” - -After this speech he glanced ironically at the knight, and taking Helen -by the hand led her home. As she was about to cross the threshold the -young maiden cast a sad and tender glance at the Knight of Housestone, -who was completely disheartened by the giant’s impossible demands. - -[Illustration: TOOK HER FATHER’S HAND] - -“Let me consider,” said the young lover, suddenly raising his head, “if -there is a way to perform this task.” - -But by the time he had estimated the length of the ground and the depth -of the ravine on which he had to construct a paved way in a single -night, and had realized the impossibility of carting the necessary -stones for the colonnade, he groaned and sighed in dire despair. - -“Night is falling,” he cried; “I will try my last resource. I will go -and see if the miners who work in my uncle’s copper-mines could do this -work before dawn.” - -He at once started off to the Sunny Wood; he summoned the overseers and -asked them if they could build a paved roadway from the Giant’s Castle -to the town gates in a single night. - -The overseers answered him that it would take at least a year, employing -a thousand workmen a day, to execute such a work. - -Harry, in deep dismay, took his homeward road, completely overwhelmed by -his misfortunes. On the way he saw a little black-haired man, with a -tall green hat and white pointed beard, leaning against a tree. He was -not more than three feet high. He looked at the young knight with -flaming eyes. - -[Illustration: HE WAS NO MORE THAN THREE FEET HIGH] - -“You look sorrowful, Knight of Housestone; no mortal power can help you -in your distress ... but if you like I can overcome your difficulties.” - -“Oh, whoever you may be, you are very welcome,” replied the knight, -holding out his hand. “But who are you?” - -“I am the spirit of the copper-mines your uncle is working. I live in -the underground caves, and his excavations are a source of great -annoyance to me. If you will promise that the mining shall cease, that -the galleries and shafts shall be filled in, in order that I and my -companions may live in peace in the bowels - -[Illustration: LED BY TWO PAGES] - -of the earth, we will this night construct the road and the colonnade -demanded by the giant. To-morrow you will marry Helen.” - -[Illustration: ABOUT MIDNIGHT A TERRIBLE STORM AROSE] - -“I can promise no such thing, for my uncle has a son who is heir to all -he possesses.” - -“His son, who was a good-for-nothing, was killed this morning by a -man-at-arms whom he had had flogged yesterday. You are now your uncle’s -sole heir.” - -After saying a prayer for the repose of the soul of his cousin, Harry -placed his left hand on the hilt of his sword, and holding out the other -to the dwarf, he said, “I swear to do as you request immediately after -my uncle’s death.” - -“Enough,” replied the dwarf, “to-morrow at dawn repair to the spot where -the road should begin, and all you will have to do is to fetch your -bride.” - -About midnight a terrible storm arose, the wind rooted up the tall -trees, and the thunder rolled. - -Helen, aroused by these alarming sounds, shaking with fear, got up and -sought protection in her father’s room. - -[Illustration: THE GIANT, HIS DAUGHTER, AND THE KNIGHT] - -“Do not be alarmed, my child,” the giant said softly, “it is the devil -chasing some wild beast of the forest.” - -“But do you not hear the sound of hammers, the rumbling of wheelbarrows, -and confused noises, as though a crowd of men were at work?” - -“It is possible,” replied the giant, looking out of the window; “but if -Housestone is attempting to perform the task I set him, he must be mad.” - -As he shut the window again a puff of wind blew out the lamp. At the -same moment the storm abated, and all was calm and still as on other -nights. - -Helen had not a moment’s rest. At daybreak she ran up to the tower. Her -surprise and joy were boundless when she saw a magnificent archway -glittering in front of the castle, and beyond it stretched a splendid -road, at the end of which she saw Harry of Housestone mounted on a black -horse, followed by a beautiful white ambling nag, led by two pages. - -On hearing her joyous cries her father appeared. All the giant had -demanded was done. The Knight of Housestone was married to Helen the -same day, and on his uncle’s death he faithfully fulfilled his promise -to the dwarf of the underworld. He ordered the shafts and galleries to -be filled up in the copper-mines, and to this day no one has been able -to discover where they are. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -THE KEY-FLOWER - - -In Flanders the cowslip is called the key-flower. The story I am about -to tell you will explain why it is so named. - -A little child died. Its little soul was as innocent and pure as freshly -fallen snow. As a dove freed after long captivity flies straight into -the blue sky, so the little soul flew into God’s Heaven and knocked at -the gate. - -St. Peter with his large golden key drew back the heavy lock, half -opened the door and looked through the crack. - -On seeing who was there, he opened the door wide and welcomed in the new -little angel. - -But behold, when the Saint was about to close the door, he let fall the -bunch of keys with a thud on the golden threshold. Before he was able to -pick them up they had slipped from the threshold into the fathomless -blue. - -They fell through space for two or three days and landed in a cemetery -at the entrance to a little village. - -Scarcely had they touched the earth, where they sparkled amidst the -grass and the flowers, when a beautiful new flower sprang to life which -had never been seen on earth before and was therefore without a name. - -Early next morning a little orphan girl went to the cemetery to put -flowers on her mother’s grave. She soon discovered this strange flower -poised so proudly on its stalk. She was very surprised to find the -pretty little bell flowers, which were certainly not growing there the -day before, and which she had never seen. - -She stooped down to examine the plant more closely and was amazed to -find in the bushes a bunch of golden keys held together by a gold ring -on which she read the word “Heaven.” - -The discovery of the new flower and the bunch of keys was fully -discussed in the village, and the news spread far and wide. Every one -came to see the new flower. They called it the Key of Heaven, by which -name it has been known ever since. - -[Illustration: HE LET FALL THE BUNCH OF KEYS] - -[Illustration: RIPE NUTS IN THEIR CUPS] - - - - -THE OGRE - - -This time I am going to talk about myself, to tell you something that -really happened to me. If you do not believe this you must not listen. I -can only tell this story to children who are quite sure that I speak the -truth. - -I was between six and seven years old and still learning my letters at -school. One fine Sunday afternoon in September I went with five or six -of my schoolfellows into the Aulnes wood. - -It was the nut season, and we knew there were a number of nut-trees in -the wood. - -After gathering nuts for some time on the edge of the wood, it happened -that in going from tree to tree we gradually separated from each other. -Before I became aware of it, I was deep in the wood. There I discovered -a sort of hedge where the nuts grew so plentifully that I could hardly -believe my eyes. - -The spreading branches were weighed down with nuts in bunches of four, -five, or even six ripe nuts in their yellow cups, hanging so temptingly. - -At first I ate a good many and had a regular feast. I had never eaten -such nuts! There were no bad ones and no empty shells. When I had eaten -as many as I wanted, I filled my pockets, all my pockets. First the -pockets of my Sunday coat, then my trouser pockets. I then filled my cap -and tied some up in my handkerchief. Just as I was thinking that I could -put in a few more I noticed that it was very still and lonely in the -wood and that the nuts did not show up so plainly among the leaves. - -[Illustration: I FILLED MY POCKETS] - -High above my head the last rays of the sunset shone among the branches -of the huge elms, oaks, and poplars. Here and there a bird chirped on -its nest, and far away towards the sunset I heard the sound of wheels on -the road. - -I could not hear my companions, but no doubt they were within call, they -could not be far off. I put my hands to my mouth and shouted: “Hallo! -John! Peter Little Carrots! George!” - -I called them all and shouted their names one after the other, shouting -louder and louder in all directions. But only the echo answered me. When -I shouted John, the echo mockingly replied “Ohn,” and when I shouted -George, it replied “Orge.” - -Suddenly my heart sank within me, the last rays of light disappeared -above my head and with startling rapidity darkness fell among the trees -and bushes. The darkness seemed to grow out of the ground. The birds -were silent. A cold breeze shook the branches, and far, far away a -little bell rang out the Angelus. - -I recognized the bell, it was our village bell. I knew that the carriage -I had heard was the post-cart which was returning from Ternath to -Lennick. - -It was in the direction of these two sounds that I had to find a road, -however. I could not imagine how far I was from the edge of the wood, -and it was imperative that I should reach the fields before darkness -overtook me. - -I started off with my cap full of nuts in one hand and my handkerchief -full in the other. - -After going a few steps, I shouted again, “John! Peter!” but this time -even the echo made no reply and my voice sounded so strangely in my ears -that I did not recognize it. - -I ran for about an hour and a half, when all at once I felt as though I -was bound with ropes and I fell. I was held fast by the long tendrils of -a blackberry-bush which I had not noticed in the gathering darkness. - -I dropped my handkerchief and could barely distinguish it in the -darkness. - -I then shouted again as loudly as ever I could until I lost courage and -could shout no more. I dared not, I dared not, because of the terrible -silence which seemed to close round me. The silence was so uncanny that -I distinctly heard the blood coursing through my veins. - -I was alone, alone in the vast never-ending forest, lost, strayed, and -far from the road when night fell. I thought of home, of my gentle -mother and my good father. I thought of the terrible anxiety they would -be in when I did not return. Feeling my way I sat down on the roots of a -tree and began to cry.... - -I then closed my eyes as tightly as ever I could in order to see -nothing. I meant to sit there and see what would happen, but when I -raised my eyes to say a short prayer, I saw a soft light piercing -through the roof of branches above my head, which seemed to me like a -smiling face trying to throw its silver rays upon me. - -It was the moon; she was rising in the opposite direction to which I had -seen the last rays of the sinking sun. As my eyes grew accustomed to the -light I began to distinguish things around me. At first the tree-trunks, -some as thick as my body, others as thick as my head, others as thick as -my legs and arms. Then I saw the shrubs and bushes, the flowers in the -grass, and the ferns. - -[Illustration: I SAW SOMETHING WHITE] - -Suddenly I saw something white--a little weasel--which approached very -cautiously. Had I moved a little twig? Quick as lightning the little -fellow darted off. I saw him disappearing like a white arrow. - -Now I could see I was not so frightened. I got up, emptied my cap and -put it on my head, determined to try once again to find a path. I -started off in the same direction as the weasel had disappeared. I had -walked for about a quarter of an hour when, my heart beating violently, -I stopped--something like a star shone very low, low among the -foliage--no, so low that it could not be a star--it must be either a -light from a lantern or a window. Certainly some one must be passing -with a light or living in a little house. - -However far it might be, I decided to walk towards it. I groped on hands -and knees, keeping out of the way of brambles and bushes. Then it was -easier walking among the trunks of the tall trees. I was always trying -to reach the light. Oh, dear! what a long way it was. The moon was -already far behind me above the trees. It was a beautiful starlit night. -Far, far away a church clock struck. I could not tell this time if it -were our village clock; it struck nine and still I had not reached the -light. Sometimes it grew larger, then it disappeared for some time. I -was very frightened. Would it never appear again? Thank heavens! the -little star twinkled once more ... suddenly it was so near that I could -see it growing. Now it was as large as an egg--then as large as an -orange--and finally I saw it as large as the face of the moon high among -the bushes. Now I could see how the light showed up in a disc on a dark -surface. A few steps farther and I found myself outside a little house. -A light shone through a round opening in the shutter. Under the window -was an old broken barrel. There was no sound to be heard in the house. -Could I dare to knock? Did robbers, a witch, or, worse still, an ogre -live there? - -[Illustration: COULD I DARE TO KNOCK?] - -To stay out all night was equally dangerous; there might be wolves or -savage dogs in the wood, and witches and ogres could soon scent me out. - -I tapped on the shutter, and very soon heard footsteps approaching. - -“Who knocks so late?” asked an anxious voice. - -“I am a little boy from a neighbouring village, I have lost my -companions and have been wandering for three hours in the wood. Please -open the door and let me come in.” - -I heard the sound of a heavy sigh behind the door and then the voice -said more gently than before: - -“Oh, my child, do not ask to come in here! Get away as fast as your legs -can carry you. I would willingly give you shelter! But my husband is an -ogre. He devours without pity all who fall into his hands.” - -However, I felt so weary, I was chilled by the cold night air, and the -loneliness of the wood so terrified me that to be under cover of a roof -with human beings I was willing to run all risks. - -To be eaten alive by an ogre was not a very agreeable prospect! But if I -continued to wander about in the woods at night, I ran the danger of -coming face to face with this awful man. Perhaps under his own roof I -should be in less danger of being eaten. - -I begged and implored so earnestly that the woman gave in and opened the -door. - -“Little friend,” the good soul said to me, “you have not a moment to -lose. It is nearly ten o’clock, it is at that hour that my husband -returns from his first round. Here is a little bread and milk. If you -are hungry and thirsty, eat and drink! Take good heed of what I am going -to say to you! Directly you hear a knock at the door, hide yourself in -the dark corner by the cupboard behind those two large tubs. If you -value your life do not move a muscle. If my husband finds you, he will -eat you, skin, bones, and all. If you are as quiet as a mouse I may save -you, God helping me.” - -The words were scarcely out of her mouth when “bang, bang, bang,” the -door shook under the blows of a heavy fist. A rough voice, at the sound -of which my blood ran cold, shook the little house. - -“Great heavens! woman! How much longer must I wait before you open the -door?” - -Before the wife had lifted the latch, I was crouching behind the two -tubs. I made myself as small as possible. I was so terrified that I -shrank with fear. I shrank more and more, sometimes I felt as small as a -little dog, then as small as a cat, and then as small as a frog! - -[Illustration: BEHIND THOSE TWO LARGE TUBS] - -Do you know why I was so frightened? While the woman was going towards -the door I very quickly lifted the lid of each tub. Oh, horror! what did -I see inside? One tub was filled with milk, but the other was filled to -the brim with human flesh! Hands, feet, heads of little boys about my -own age, and all were sprinkled with a quantity of coarse salt. - -A tread like that of a giant sounded on the hard earth floor of the -house. From between the two tubs I saw the Ogre stop in the middle of -the room. His nostrils suddenly dilated as he sniffed around him like a -hound. His eyes sparkled--he smacked his lips. - -“Wife,” he burst forth in thunderous tones, “wife, I smell it! There is -young and tender human flesh in the house! Speak! Where is it? My mouth -waters.” - -[Illustration: I SMELL HUMAN FLESH] - -He took a heavy axe from his belt and brandished it in the air in a -threatening manner. His wife denied this. “You certainly smell human -flesh,” she answered, “but you smell the three little boys you put in -the brine-tub last Friday. I have not seen a living soul all the blessed -day.” - -“What!” replied the Ogre, and he began to swear. “Thunder and lightning, -do you call me a liar? I tell you that I smell a child’s fresh and -living flesh.” - -I saw him brandish his axe in the air and fling it into the corner -where I was hiding ... oh, horror! the tub of milk was shattered to -atoms. I should certainly have been in his clutches if I had not become -as small as a frog from terror, and was thus carried down the drain, -which was hidden by the other tub, in the current of milk. - -I found myself lying outside the house, my hair and eyes full of cream. -I was half dazed with alarm, but oh, so glad to be outside! I was much -colder now than when I knocked at the door. If only I could find a place -to rest my weary head. Just in front of me was the empty barrel which I -had seen on my arrival at the cottage. The outlet of the drain was -exactly under the only window. The moonlight enabled me to see inside -the barrel. To my great surprise I found it half full of hay. I soon -made up my mind. I crawled into the barrel through the bottom, which had -been staved in, drew the hay over me, and, after saying a short prayer, -tried to sleep. - -I slept for some time. When I awoke, my clothes were dried. Very soon I -heard a strange growling sound not far from my hiding-place. It sounded -like the pattering of paws and a dog growling. - -[Illustration: I SAW HIS BODY] - -“A wolf,” was my first thought, after the Ogre, the wolf which ate -Little Red Riding Hood! How should I escape this time? - -Suddenly the animal came near and licked the barrel, which had probably -contained lard, with its rough tongue. - -Looking through the bung-hole, I saw by the light of the moon a large -and beautiful dog jumping about. - -It suddenly struck me that if I could catch the dog by the tail I would -ask him very politely if he would draw me and my tub away--far, far away -from this terrible house. - -The dog again approached, again I heard his tongue licking the staves. I -saw his body exactly opposite the bung-hole--then I spoke to him very -gently, as gently and as agreeably as I could. I asked him to do what I -wished. Oh, wonderful to relate, the dog turned round and offered me -his tail. I took hold of it and immediately felt myself being drawn -forward as though I were in a sledge or a boat. - -At first he ran slowly without making a sound, but farther on, about -fifty or sixty yards from the little house, I was so enjoying this -midnight drive that I grew reckless. - -I thought we were travelling too slowly. “Gee up,” I cried, “Gee up, -little fiery steed! Show me how you can gallop. Hallo! Gee up.” - -I pulled his tail, and the animal not expecting this movement bolted off -like the wind. - -He ran so wildly that the barrel bounded against the trees until, after -a violent blow, it was smashed to pieces. The dog ran off as fast as -ever he could. - -Dear me! How the wood had changed! There was not a star in the sky and -the moon had vanished. - -Everything was enveloped in a pale grey light. Birds’ song filled the -air. In the distance, far away outside the wood, a hundred cocks crowed -one after the other. - -I again thought of my dear parents. I pictured their agony during the -long and terrible night, and my heart beat quickly at the thought of -being with them once more. - -I would soon find the road. If only I could discover in which direction -lay the village. - -I heard a bell ringing, “Ding, Ding, Ding, Dong.” Was it seven o’clock? -Unfortunately the wind whistled so loudly in the tree-tops that the -first “Ding” seemed to come from the north, while the last seemed to -come from the west. What was I to do? - -Then I had a happy thought. I chose one of the highest trees, a poplar, -whose lower branches hung nearly to the ground. I climbed up like a cat -from bough to bough and reached the top--from there I could see right -over the wood. On one side I saw fields and meadows as far as the eye -could see, and on the other I saw my village, my dear little village. - -The poplar I had climbed was only twenty yards from the edge of the -wood. It was so high that the topmost branches on which I was perched -were much higher than the surrounding trees. - -My village lay there at the bottom, not far from the edge of the wood. -Not far from the wall of the churchyard was the white house, the white -house where my parents lived. Oh, if I could only be there, how I longed -to be at home. - -But I was high up above all the other tree-tops, waving my cap so -vigorously in the air that the few remaining nuts fell out. While I was -perched there on the top of the tree, it began to sway gently from left -to right, then backwards and forwards. Then it swayed so violently that -it passed over the top of first two, then three, and then ten trees. The -morning breeze seemed to take pleasure in it, and blew stronger and -stronger--“whip, whip--whoop, whoop,” the tree-top swayed out beyond the -top of the trees on the edge of the wood. - -[Illustration: I WAS PERCHED THERE ON THE TOP OF THE TREE] - -Oh, dear! it was so amusing! “Whip, whip,” in a huge semicircle over the -top of a hundred trees behind me, then in a still wider semicircle in -front as far as the first houses of the village. “Whip, whip,” backwards -farther and farther, then “whoop, whoop,” in front as far as farmer Van -den Eeckhoudt’s farm. Then a few yards farther and I was swaying out -almost over my father’s house! - -Should I dare, should I take the risk? Could I in leaning all my weight -make the top of the tree bend so that the rebound would send me right -over the house? “Whip, whip--whoop, whoop!” Before I had made up my mind -I found myself where I wished to be. - -I crossed myself, let go my hold, and landed on the edge of the large -chimney-pot. I fell down the chimney into the stove. - -My mother was making coffee. “My boy, my boy,” she cried, “what an -anxiety you have been to us. Your father and I have been up all night.” - -At that moment my father came in; he had been hunting round his land in -search of me for the tenth time. - -“My lad,” he said to me, when he succeeded in recognizing me, “where -have you been and why are you so black?” - -“Father,” I answered, “I am black because I have just fallen down the -chimney into the house. I have come from the Aulnes wood, where I went -to gather nuts yesterday. The Ogre has not eaten me and the wolf did not -scent me out. Father, my pockets are full of lovely ripe nuts.” - -[Illustration] - - PRINTED AT THE COMPLETE PRESS - WEST NORWOOD - LONDON, S.E. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS TALES OF FLANDERS *** - -***** This file should be named 64134-0.txt or 64134-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/1/3/64134/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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