The hen, seeing they were slight thin people who would not require much
room, allowed them to enter the carriage, only making them promise not to
step on the chicks’ feet.

Late at night they reached a roadside inn, and by this time the duck was
getting so tired that her legs were unsteady, and she waddled terribly. So
they stopped and asked for supper and a night’s lodging. The landlord made
many objections at first—his house was already full, and he thought these new-
comers did not look very well.

However, the hen flattered the old landlord, and promised that whatever
eggs the she and the duck might lay while they stayed should be his. So the
landlord gave them shelter, and glad enough they were of a night's rest. |

Early in the morning, while every one else was asleep, the chicks and hen
awoke, and seeing the egg which she had laid they made a good breakfast on
it, and threw the shell into the kitchen fire. Then they went to the pin-cushion,
‘where the needle and pin still lay asleep, and, carrying them away, stuck the
needle in the cushion of the landlord’s arm-chair and the pin in his towel.

After performing these tricks they flew away through the open window,
and across the heath.

The duck had roosted in the outer court, and was awakened by the rustle
of wings; rousing herself quickly, she plumed her feathers, and espying a
stream near, partly flew and partly waddled down to it, for to swim home
‘would be far better than drawing that heavy carriage.

A few hours after this, the landlord arose and prepared to wash himself;
but on taking up his towel to wipe his face, the point of a pin made a long red
“scratch right across from one ear to the other.

It was rather painful; but he dressed himself quickly, and went into the
kitchen to light his pipe. As he stooped to putin a match, out popped a piece
-of burnt egg-shell into his eye.

The pain made him start back, and sink down into his chair, which stood
near; but he started up again more quickly than he had sat down, for the
‘needle in the cushion pricked him terribly.

Then was the landlord very angry, and began to suspect his guests who
‘had arrived so late the night before. He went out to look for them, and found
they were gone. Then he took an oath that he would never again admit such
‘knaves into his house—ragamuffins who ate a great deal, paid nothing, and,
above all, instead of thanks, performed knavish tricks.

ae wee