Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/73

Rh I and my attendants have been descending into the earth as far as our hips and up again we come; what does it all mean? Please explain. I confess that I do not like such sudden shocks, and I must request you not to continue your experiments at my expense." "That I promise most faithfully," said the Rabbi with a profound bow; "meanwhile let me beg your gracious Majesty to enter my humble home. I have a nice fire burning and your Majesty and your attendants will need warmth before you will feel at all comfortable. I will lead the way and you will soon be warm."

The King and his attendants followed Jechiel and they all entered his best room where there was a nice fire on the hearth. Jechiel gave his guests wine and cake, and once more gave expression to his deep sorrow for what had happened. He said, — "Your Majesty will, I hope, pardon my unfortunate mistake. Had I known that your Majesty was at my door, I should have opened it even before you had knocked."

"Say no more about it," said the King. "I forgive and forget. Now tell me why did the ground under my feet fall in and rise again?"

The Rabbi told the King all about the nail, and why he had recourse to this unusual way of answering a knock at his door.

"Very clever indeed," exclaimed the King, "but