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 and order them to knock about among the wedding guests. Then order them to beat the landlord and his wife and those two will soon cry for mercy and be more than willing to return you your property.”

The shoemaker thanked the little devil of a guard for his good advice and, putting the clubs in his bag, climbed back to earth. When he reached the tavern, sure enough he found a wedding party feasting and dancing.

“Get out of here!” the landlord cried. “There’s no room for you!”

Without a word the shoemaker took out his clubs and said:

“Clubs, knock around among the wedding guests!”

Instantly the two clubs went knocking about among the wedding guests, tickling some and throwing down others, until the place was in an uproar.

“Now beat the landlord and his wife!” the shoemaker cried.

At that the clubs hopped over to the landlord and his wife and began beating them over the head and shoulders until they both dropped on their knees before the shoemaker and begged for mercy.

“Are you ready to give me back my tablecloth and rooster?” the shoemaker asked.