JACK IN LUCK
Jack had served his master well for seven long years without having been paid a penny. At the end of that time Jack went to him and said, “Master, I have been with you seven years, and now it is time for me to go home to see my mother. But oughtn’t I to be paid something first?”
“Yes,” said his master, “you have served me well, and you shall be well paid in return.”
He then brought out a lump of gold as big as Jack’s head and gave it to the lad.
Jack thanked him and wrapped the gold up in a handkerchief and tied the corners together, so he could carry it. Then he said good-by to his master, and off he set, whistling merrily. But the way was long and the sun was hot. The further Jack went the wearier he grew, and the gold weighed as heavy as lead. He shifted it from hand to hand, but every moment it became a heavier burden.
After awhile Jack met a man riding merrily along on a fine horse.
“That is a fine nag you are riding,” said Jack.
“Yes, it is,” answered the man.
“Well, you are a lucky fellow,” said Jack. “There you ride along as light as a bird, and I have to trudge in the dust and carry a lump of gold that weighs like lead.”