Stranica 146 [146]
OCR
LABOULAYE’S FATRY BOOK quite new. Shingles, lath, nails, and tiles, he tore off everything, and scattered them all to the winds. When the farmer returned the house was open to the sky. “Villain!” said he, "what new trick have you played me?" "1 have obeyed you, master,” answered Coranda. "You told me to do exactly what I saw others do. Are you not satisfied?" " And he took out his knife. " Satisfied!" returned the farmer; "why should I not be satisfied? A few shingles more or less will not ruin me." But he sighed. Night came, the farmer and his wife said to each other that 1t was high time to get rid of this incarnate demon. As is always the case with sensible people, they never did anything without consulting their daughter, it being the custom in Bohemia to think that children always have more wit than their parents. " Father, said Helen, "I will hide in the great pear-tree early in the morning, and call like the cuckoo. You can tell Coranda that the year is up, since the cuckoo is singing; pay him and send him away.” Early in the morning the plaintive cry of the cuckoo was heard through the fields. The farmer seemed surprised. " Well, my boy, spring is come,” said he. "Do you hear the cuckoo singing yonder? I will pay you and we will part good friends.” 112
