ANS had served his master seven years,
and at the end of the seventh year he
sald,
Master, my time is up; I want to
go home and see my mother, so give
me my wages.”
“You have served me truly and
faithfully,” said the master; “as the
service is, so must the wages be,” and
he gave him a lump of gold as big as his head. Hans pulled
his handkerchief out of his pocket and tied up the lump of gold
in it, hoisted it on his shoulder, and set off on his way home.
And as he was trudging along, there came in sight a man riding
on a spirited horse, and looking very gay and lively.. "Oh!"
cried Hans aloud, “how splendid riding must be! sitting as
much at one’s ease as in an arm-chair, stumbling over no stones,
Saving ones shoes, and getting on one hardly knows how!”
The horseman heard Hans say this, and called out to him,
“Well Hans, what are you doing on foot ?”
“T can’t help myself,” said Hans, "I have this great lump
to carry; to be sure, it is gold, but then I can’t hold my head
straight for it, and it hurts my shoulder.”
c DII tell you what,” said the horseman, “ we will change; I
will give you my horse, and you shall give me your lump of gold.”
With all my heart,” said Hans; "but I warn you, you will
find it heavy.” And the horseman got down, took the gold,
and, helping Hans up, he gave the reins into his hand.
“When you want to go fast,” said he,“ you must click your
tongue and cry ‘ Gee-up!’”