And it went into the house and brought out two wicker baskets. One was very heavy and the other light.
“Take the one you wish,” said the sparrow, “and good fortune go with you.”
“I am very feeble,” answered the little old man, “so I will take the light one.”
He thanked the sparrow, and, shouldering the basket, said good-bye. Then he trudged off leaving the sparrow family sad and lonely.
When he reached home the little old woman was very angry, and began to scold him, saying:—
“Well, and pray where have you been all these days? A pretty thing, indeed, for you to be gadding about like this!”
“Oh,” he replied, “I have been on a visit to the tongue-cut sparrow, and when I came away it gave me this wicker basket as a parting gift.”
Then they opened the basket to see what was inside, and lo and behold! it was full of gold, silver, and other precious things!
The little old woman was as greedy as she was cross, and when she saw all the riches spread before her, she could not contain herself for joy.
“Ho! Ho!” cried she. “Now I'll go and call on the sparrow, and get a pretty present, too!”