Page:Danish fairy and folk tales.djvu/360

 When he arrived at his old house in Landery the door was opened by his wife, who at once asked if he had been as successful as his two comrades, who were now rolling in wealth, and had become so haughty that their wives did not seem to know her at all. But the little tailor could not show her the least gold; he had found nothing of that kind. So the woman scolded him and said he was a simpleton who did not deserve better than to stand at the doors of his former friends begging for a breadcrumb and a penny. "Well," answered the tailor, "I think I shall go and see if they don't remember me." He went out accordingly and asked the two men, who were now wealthy merchants, if they were not willing to assist him with some of their riches, as he had been less successful than they and returned empty-handed. They answered, however, that this was impossible. If he had watched his opportunity and been as careful of his chances as they were he needed not return home without means. Now it was too late, and—dear them—they must be mindful of their own business.

"Well," said the tailor, "though you refuse to help me I shall at least show you that I remember old comradeship. Come and take dinner with me to-morrow, and let me make a little feast in honor of my safe return." The others wondered at this, but promised to come, silently asking themselves what such a poor devil might have to feast upon.

When the little man returned home, telling his