THE MISCHIEVOUS PRANK OF THE GNOMES. 9

was taking also a large amount of ashes. Not
until he had dipped up all the mixture, did he
see that the porridge in the kettle was full of
black specks. It was too late to remedy the
mistake by making fresh porridge, so he re-
solved to trust to luck and the good appetites
of the giants. |

Not long did the suspense of the giant cook
last, for very soon he recognized the distant
voices of his returning friends, and a great
panic seized him, as he heard them clamoring
for their supper. Putting on as unconcerned
a manner as he was able, the cook placed be-
fore his hungry companions the hot oatmeal
porridge, and awaited, in breathless suspense,
the result of the first taste.

“Faugh!” exclaimed one, “the knave has
burnt it!” and taking up a spoonful of the
mixture, he hurled it far away.

“The stuff is full of ashes,” cried another,
and he also threw away the contents of his
big spoon.

At this, a general hubbub arose, in the midst
of which one of the giants seized the huge
caldron and hurled the contents far and wide.
It fell in the neighboring towns, and, as the