III.
Preparation.
Let us hear now how surprised the man who lived in the mansion was the next morning when he saw the fine new house across the way, and how he found out about the three wishes. Also how he overtook the wonderful traveler and obtained the promise of three wishes for himself.
Narration.
THE PROUD MAN OVERTAKES THE TRAVELER.
When the proud man arose and looked out of his window, imagine his surprise to see a beautiful new house, with red-tiled roof and bright windows, where the ugly little hut had stood the night before. He called his wife and said, “Just see there! How could it have happened? Yesterday evening the ugly little hut stood there. Now there is a beautiful new house. Run over there quickly and learn how it happened.”
The wife ran over to the new house and inquired of the good people how it came there. The generous man told her of the wonderful traveler who had sought a night’s lodging and who, at his departure the next morning, had granted them three wishes—contentedness, health and daily bread, and a fine new, red-tiled house.
When the proud man’s wife heard this, she hastened back and told her husband all that had happened. The man said. “What a fool I am! Had I only known! That man knocked at our door last night, but I sent him away.” “Then,” said his wife, “hurry, get on your horse! You can overtake him and maybe he will grant you three wishes.”
So the proud man jumped on his horse and rode after the traveler. He soon overtook him and said, “I hope you will forgive me for not letting you in last night. I went to find the door key and when I returned with it you had gone. When you come this way again, you must stop with me.” “Yes,” said the traveler, “when I come this way again I will stop at your house.”
Then the proud man asked, “May I not also have three wishes fulfilled like my neighbor?” “Yes,” said the traveler, “you may; but it would be better for you not to wish for anything.” The proud man replied, “I would certainly seek out something that would make me happy if I only knew that it would be given me.” “Very well,” said the traveler, “go home and your three wishes shall be fulfilled.”