ristening.
In conclusion he said: "When I saw the old woman was really gone, I
started home. On the way curiosity overcame me and I drew out the
christening present and instead of one ducat I found a handful. I can
tell you I was surprised but instead of letting them drop on the
ground I let them slip back into the baby's clothes. I said to myself:
'Let your wife also have the pleasure of pulling out those golden
horses.' And now, dear wife, leave off exclaiming. Give thanks to God
for that which he has bestowed upon us and help me gather up the
golden darlings, for we don't want any one coming in and spying on us
just now."

As they began picking them up, they had a new surprise. Wherever there
was one ducat, there they found ten! When they got them all together
they made a fine big heap.

"Oh, dear, oh, dear!" said the woman as she gazed at the pile. "Who
knows whether this money will be blessed to our use? Perhaps that old
woman was an evil spirit who just wants to buy our souls!"

Lukas looked at his wife reprovingly. "How can you be so foolish? Do
you suppose an evil spirit would have gone with me to church, allowed
herself to be sprinkled with holy water, yes, and even herself make
the sign of the cross! Never! I don't say that she is just an ordinary
human being, but I do say that she must be a good spirit whom God has
sent to us to help us. I'm sure we can keep this money with a clear
conscience. The first question is where to hide it so that no one can
find it. For the present I shall put it into the chest, but tomorrow
night I shall bury it under the pear tree. And one thing, wife, I warn
you: don't say anything about it to any one. I shall take one ducat
and go to the burgomaster's wife and ask her to change it. Then I
shall go buy some milk and eggs and bread and flour, and I'll bring
back a woman with me who will make us a fine supper. Tomorrow I'll go
to town and buy some clothes and feather beds. After that what else
shall I buy? Can you guess?"

"The best thing to do would be to buy back our old property--the
house, the fields, and the live stock, and then manage it more wisely
than before."

"You're right, wife, that's just what I'll do. And I will manage
prudently this time! I have learned my lesson, I can tell you, for
poverty is a good teacher."

When Lukas had hidden the money in the chest and turned the key, he
took one ducat and went out to make his purchases. While he was gone
his wife s