"Look, mother, Mr. Trius got a song. Yesterday evening he threatened two more of my friends with the stick, but they were luckily able to save themselves. It seems as if he had at least four eyes and ears which can see and hear whatever is going on. I finished the song. Can I read it to you?"
"I wish you had no friends that Mr. Trius has occasion to frighten with a stick," said the mother. "I hope that it won't ever happen to you."
"Oh, he often threatens innocent people," Kurt replied. "Listen to a true description of him."
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A SONG ABOUT MR. TRIUS, THE BOY BEATER. Old Trius lives in our town, A haughty man is he, And every one that he can catch He beats right heartily. Old Trius wears a yellow coat, It's very long and thick, But all the children run away At sight of his big stick. Old Trius of the pointed hat He wanders all around, And if he beats nobody, why There's no one to be found. Old Trius thinks: To spank a boy Is really very kind, And all he cannot hit in front At least he hits behind. Old Trius makes a pretty face With every blow he gives. He'll beat us all for many years, I'm thinking, if he lives. |
The mother could not help smiling a little bit during the perusal, but now she said seriously: "This song must under no condition fall into Mr. Trius' hands. He might not look at it as a joke, and you must not offend him. I advise you, Kurt, not to challenge Mr. Trius in any way, for he might reply to you in some unexpected fashion. He has his own ways and means of getting rid of people."
Kurt was very anxious to get his mother's permission to run about that same evening by moonlight with his friends, and his mother granted it willingly.
"I hope you are not going on one of the unfortunate apple-expeditions I hear so much about," she added.
Kurt quite indignantly assured her that he would never do such a thing. Lippo was pushing him to one side now. The little boy had made attempts to reach his mother for several minutes, and he was delighted at his brother's quick departure.
"Mr. Rector sends you his regards and he wants to know if you wanted to give him an answer. Here is a letter," said Lippo.
"Where did you bring the letter from?" asked the mother.