Hamilton Wright Mabie

Folk Tales Every Child Should Know Hamilton Wright Mabie

Hans had served his Master seven years, and at the end of that time he said to him: "Master, since my time is up, I should like to go home to my mother; so give me mywages, if you please."His Master replied, "You have served me truly and honestly, Hans, and such as yourservice was, such shall be your reward;" and with these words he gave him a lump ofgold as big as his head. Hans thereupon took his handkerchief out of his pocket, and, wrapping the gold up in it, threw it over his shoulder and set out on the road toward hisnative village. As he went along, carefully setting one foot to the ground before theother, a horseman came in sight, trotting gaily and briskly along upon a capital animal."Ah," said Hans, aloud, "what a fine thing that riding is! one is seated, as it were, upon astool, kicks against no stones, spares one's shoes, and gets along without any trouble!"The Rider, overhearing Hans making these reflections, stopped and said, "Why, then, do you travel on foot, my fine fellow?""Because I am forced," replied Hans, "for I have got a bit of a lump to carry home; itcertainly is gold, but then I can't carry my head straight, and it hurts my shoulde