THREE HAPPY TAILORS
said the chief of the twelve; "when you open it, calling, 'Every one out,' you will have as many soldiers with swords and cannon under your command as you wish for, until you call, 'Every one in.' I am willing to exchange this sack for your table-cloth." But no, the tailor did not wish to part with his treasure. "I care more for having a good meal," said he, "than for killing people."
On hearing this the giants laughed, and their chief cried: "You are a great fool! It would serve you right if we robbed you of the cloth; but, as an honest man, I can't do this. The sack you shall have, and we take the table-cloth." So he threw the sack down to him, seized the cloth, and the twelve giants were off.
The tailor was not at all satisfied with this treatment, but after a moment's thought he exclaimed: "That fellow called himself honest. Maybe he was even more silly. Let us see!" Opening the sack he called aloud, "Every one out!" whereat one soldier after another came forth until there was a great and formidable army. Then the tailor ordered them to pursue the giants and return with his table-cloth. The soldiers obeyed, overtook the twelve men, and, after a fearful struggle, succeeded in slaying them and in recovering the precious article. The little man was well pleased; holding out his sack, he cried, "Every one in!" whereupon the entire army disappeared in the sack. So the tailor went home, contented with his good luck.
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