Atondido Stories
Instantly the two clubs went knocking about among the wed-
ding guests, tickling some and throwing down others, until the
place was in an uproar.
"Now beat the landlord and his wife!" the shoemaker cried.
At that the clubs hopped over to the landlord and his wife and
began beating them over the head and shoulders until they both
dropped on their knees before the shoemaker and begged for
mercy.
"Are you ready to give me back my tablecloth and rooster?"
the shoemaker asked.
"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
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