“ THE ELVES
(1)
HERE was once a shoemaker, who, through no fault of his own, became so poor that at last he had nothing left but just enough leather to make one pair of shoes. He cut out the shoes at night, so as to set to work upon them next morning; and as he had a good conscience, he laid himself quietly down in his bed, committed himself to heaven, and fell asleep. ”

“ The next morning the shoemaker's wife said to her husband, "Those little men have made us rich, and we ought to show ourselves grateful With all their running about, and having nothing to cover them, they must be very cold. ”

“ The husband consented willingly, and at night, when everything was finished, they laid the gifts together on the table, instead of the cut-out work, and placed themselves so that they could observe how the little men would behave. ”