. Beasts and men . use door,and the woman hurried to open it, admitting a man dressedin a long cloak. He was the village beadle, and a nephewof the womans husband, but that good man had such ahatred of beadles that he could not bear to look at one, andhis nephew never dared to come to the house while thehusband was at home. His visits therefore were few and farbetween, but when he did come his aunt always feasted himright royally. This time she bade him welcome with greattenderness, helped him off with his cloak and sat him down atthe table, upon which she placed a fine roast fowl, with agammo
. Beasts and men . use door,and the woman hurried to open it, admitting a man dressedin a long cloak. He was the village beadle, and a nephewof the womans husband, but that good man had such ahatred of beadles that he could not bear to look at one, andhis nephew never dared to come to the house while thehusband was at home. His visits therefore were few and farbetween, but when he did come his aunt always feasted himright royally. This time she bade him welcome with greattenderness, helped him off with his cloak and sat him down atthe table, upon which she placed a fine roast fowl, with agammon of bacon and a bottle of wine. Ha, ha ! cried the beadle, mbbing his hands. Youare a famous hostess, aunt! My walk has given me an appe-tite, and I am just in a condition to do justice to your goodii8 A DRUM FULL OF BEES victuals. Heres health ! And he filled a glass with wineand drained it,to the dregs. Gr-r, you greedy fellow! muttered the drummer, whowas lying full length in the attic above with his eye to the. There was a Knot-hole in the wooden Floor knot-hole. I hope it may choke you ! And he watchedeagerly while the beadle began to fall to upon the roast fowl. Suddenly the feast was interrupted by another loud knockat the door. My husband ! cried the woman in great agitation. 119 FOLK TALES OF BEASTS AND MEN He has come back unexpectedly. If he finds you here,something terrible will happen, for he cannot bear the sightof a beadle. Quick ! jump into this chest and pull down thelid, while I clear away all signs of the supper ! The beadle, who was just as frightened as his hostess,lost no time in doing as she bade him. He hopped into thechest and pulled down the lid, while she hurried to clear thetable. All this time the husband was thundering at the door,very impatient at being kept waiting. When at last his wifelet him in, he flew into a temper and began to scold her. I am very sorry, good man, she answered, but I didnot hear you knock, I was hard at work in the sculler
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