"Next harvest time," said he, "we'll see about things! You shall give me what grows below the ground and keep for yourself what grows above."
"Agreed," said the laborer. "That is perfectly fair to me."
The laborer planted the fields with wheat. His master had nothing but the roots, while he harvested a rich crop of wheat which he sold for much money.
"I'll settle with you," said his master.
The laborer was frightened.
"Don't be afraid," said his wife. "When your master comes let me talk to him."
The woman gashed her face and hands with the pruning knife.
The master came to the door and she opened it.
"Where is your husband?" he asked.
"He is sharpening his nails," said she. "See what ugly scratches I already have upon my hands and face."