Page:Folk Tales of Beasts and Men.djvu/170

" He has come back unexpectedly. If he finds you here, something terrible will happen, for he cannot bear the sight of a beadle. Quick ! jump into this chest and pull down the lid, 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 the chest and pulled down the lid, while she hurried to clear the table. All this time the husband was thundering at the door, very impatient at being kept waiting. When at last his wife let him in, he flew into a temper and began to scold her.

" I am very sorry, good man," she answered, " but I did not hear you knock, I was hard at work in the scullery."

"Bring me something to eat ! " growled the man.

" Just as you like," answered his wife. " But if I were you I would not sup so late you know how it always gives you indigestion. Wouldn t it be better to go straight to bed ? ."

" Hold your peace, woman," said her spouse. " I am not sleepy ! And he sat himself down at the table.

Hardly had he done so than there came a loud knocking on the floor of the attic above his head.

" What is that ? he cried, jumping up. "Is there somebody in the attic ?

" Not that I know of," answered his wife. " Nobody has been here all day except a soldier with a most villainous face, who came begging. I sent him away with a flea in his ear, I assure you."

" Did you so ? " said her husband. " Well, I believe he has managed to get into the attic. I remember now that I forgot to fasten the window." Off he went upstairs to see, and sure enough, there was the drummer, who was not slow in explaining his presence.

"Well, come along downstairs and warm yourself," said the peasant. My wife is just about to get my supper, and I expect there will be enough for two."

Nothing loath, the drummer accompanied his host to the kitchen, and sat down at the table, paying no heed to the