पृष्ठ 259 / 626

There is such a storm, it looks as if the world were coming to an

end.' The miller saw the peasant lying on the straw, and asked,

'What is that fellow doing there?' 'Ah,' said the wife, 'the poor

knave came in the storm and rain, and begged for shelter, so I

gave him a bit of bread and cheese, and showed him where the

straw was.' The man said: 'I have no objection, but be quick and

get me something to eat.' The woman said: 'But I have nothing but

bread and cheese.' 'I am contented with anything,' replied the

husband, 'so far as I am concerned, bread and cheese will do,'

and looked at the peasant and said: 'Come and eat some more with

me.' The peasant did not require to be invited twice, but got up

and ate. After this the miller saw the skin in which the raven

was, lying on the ground, and asked: 'What have you there?' The

peasant answered: 'I have a soothsayer inside it.' 'Can he

foretell anything to me?' said the miller.