[THE USEFUL COAL]
There was once a king whose name was Sligo. He was noted both for his riches and his kind heart. One evening, as he sat by his fireside, a coal fell out on the hearth. The king took up the tongs, intending to put it back on the fire, but the coal said:—
“If you will spare my life, and do as I tell you, I will save your treasure three times, and tell you the name of the thief who steals it.”
These words gave the king great joy, for much treasure had been stolen from him of late, and none of his officers could discover the culprit. So he set the coal on the table, and said:—
“Pretty little black and red bird, tell me, what shall I do?”
“Put me in your waistcoat-pocket,” said the coal, “and take no more thought for to-night.”
Accordingly the king put the coal in his pocket, and then, as he sat before the warm fire, he grew drowsy, and presently fell fast asleep.