d, 'I don't know
what prevents me smashing your head in, you useless ne'er-do-well! You
blurt everything out, and your long tongue never ceases wagging for a
moment. If you had remained silent in the inn this misfortune would
never have overtaken you, so you have only yourself to blame for your
present suffering.'

Antonio listened to his master's words in silence, looking for all the
world like a whipped dog. When he had been three more years in the
ogre's service he had another bad fit of home-sickness, and longed very
much to see his mother and sisters again.

So he asked for permission to go home on a visit, and it was at once
granted to him. Before he set out on his journey the ogre presented him
with a beautifully carved stick and said, 'Take this stick as a
remembrance of me; but beware of saying, "Rise up, Stick," and "Lie
down, Stick," for if you do, I can only say I wouldn't be in your shoes
for something.'

Antonio took the stick and said, 'Don't be in the least alarmed, I'm not
such a fool as you think, and know better than most people what two and
two make.'

'I'm glad to hear it,' replied the ogre, 'but words are women, deeds are
men. You have heard what I said, and forewarned is forearmed.'

This time Antonio thanked his master warmly for all his kindness, and
started on his homeward journey in great spirits; but he had not gone
half a mile when he said 'Rise up, Stick.'

The words were hardly out of his mouth when the stick rose and began to
rain down blows on poor Antonio's back with such lightning-like rapidity
that he had hardly strength to call out, 'Lie down, Stick'; but as soon
as he uttered the words the stick lay down, and ceased beating his back
black and blue.

Although he had learnt a lesson at some cost to himself, Antonio was
full of joy, for he saw a way now of revenging himself on the wicked
landlord. Once more he arrived at the inn, and was received in the most
friendly and hospitable manner by his host. Antonio greeted him
cordially, and said: 'My friend, will you kindly take care of this stick
for me? But, whatever you do, don't say "Rise up, Stick." If you do, you
will be sorry for it, and you needn't expect any sympathy from me.'

The landlord, thinking he was coming in for a third piece of good
fortune, gave Antonio an excellent supper; and after he had seen him
comfortably to bed, he ran to the stick, and calling to his wife to
come and see the fun, he lost no time in pron