One day the old man found that all he had was one scant handful of rice.
“Alas, my little dog and cat, what will become of us now?” he cried. “This handful of rice is all that is left to keep us alive. After it is gone, you must seek another master who can feed you better than I. Even if I must starve, that is no reason why you should too.”
The little cat mewed, and the dog looked up into his master’s face, as though they had understood all he said to them.
The old man put the rice over the fire to cook, and just as it was done, and he was about to feed the animals, the light in the hut was darkened; looking round, he saw a tall stranger standing in the open doorway.
“Good day,” said the stranger.
“Good day,” answered the old man.
“I have come a long way,” said the stranger, “and I am footsore and weary. May I come in and rest?”
Yes, he might do that and welcome.
The stranger came in and sat down in the most comfortable place. “I am hungry as well as weary.”
“Alas,” cried the old man, “this is a poor house in which to seek for food.”