THE PLENTIFUL TABLECLOTH 345

So he handed the tablecloth to the soldier, put the helmet
on his head, took his wand in his hand, and again set his face
towards home.

When he had gone some distance, and the soldier was
almost out of sight, he began to think of what the oak had
said about not parting with. the tablecloth, and of how his
dear mother could not now enjoy the pleasant surprise he
had been dreaming about. So he said to the wand:

“Thou self-propelling, ever willing, fighting Wand,
Run quick, and bring
My feast-providing tablecloth back to my hand,
Thy praise I'll sing.”

The wand dashed after the soldier, and having reached
him began to beat him, crying out :

“For others’ goods you seem to have a liking,
Stop, thief, or sure your back I’ll keep on striking.”

The soldier was still a powerful man, and in spite of his
wound turned right about face, intending to give blow for
blow. But the wand was too much for him, and he soon
found resistance useless. So, overcome by pain rather than
fear, he threw away the tablecloth and took to his heels.

The faithful wand brought the tablecloth back to his
master, who, glad to have it again, once more turned towards
home.

He soon left the forest, crossed the fields, and came in
sight of his father’s house. At a little distance therefrom his
brothers met him, and said crossly, “Well, stupid, where are

the golden acorns?”