Page:The shoemaker's apron (1920).djvu/238

 “Yes, yes!” they cried. “Only call off your clubs and we’ll give you back your tablecloth and rooster—we swear we will!”

When he thought he had punished them enough, the shoemaker ordered the clubs to stop and the landlord and his wife tottered off as fast as their trembling legs could carry them. Presently they returned with the tablecloth and the rooster.

So the shoemaker, when he got home, had all three of the Devil’s presents tucked safely away in his bag.

“Now, wife!” he cried. “Now, children! Now we are going to have a feast!”

He spread out the tablecloth and said:

“Meat and drink for ten!”

Instantly such a feast appeared that for a moment the poor wife and the hungry children couldn’t believe their eyes. Then they set to, and, oh! I can’t begin to tell you all they ate!

When they could eat no more, the shoemaker said:

“That isn’t all. I’ve got something else in my bag.”

He took out the clubs and said:

“Clubs, tickle the children!”

Instantly the clubs hopped around among the children and tickled them under the ribs until they were all roaring with laughter.