1. Introduction. A poor Shoemaker. A poor room containing a bed and a shoemaker's board. Leather for one pair of shoes.
2. Development.
First night … Cut out shoes. Went to bed. Shoes ready next morning. Sold them. Bought leather for two pairs.
Second night … Cut out shoes. Went to bed. Shoes ready next morning. Sold them. Bought leather for four pairs.
One night … Conversation of Shoemaker and his wife: "I should like to sit up to-night to see who it is that makes the shoes." They sat up. Two Elves ran in, sewed, rapped, and tapped, and ran away when the shoes were made.
Day after … Conversation. "These Elves made us rich. I should like to do something for them. You make each of them a little pair of shoes, and I will make them each a little shirt, a coat, a waistcoat, trousers, and a pair of stockings."
Christmas Eve … Finished shoes and clothes put on the table. Shoemaker and Wife hid in the corner of the room behind clothes, and watched. (Climax.)
Elves came in and put on clothes.
3. Conclusion.
Happy end. Elves danced and sang,—