The Three Goats
Once upon a time there were three goats that were sent to some pasture-lands in order to be fattened, and all three happened to be named Brausewind. On their road to the pasture there was a bridge across a river which they must pass, and under the bridge lived a gigantic and horrible spirit, whose eyes were as large as two pewter plates, and whose nose was as long as the handle of a hoe.
The youngest goat Brausewind first came along, and stepped upon the bridge.
“Creak, creak!” complained the bridge.
“Who is tripping over my bridge?” cried the elf underneath.
“Oh! it is only the smallest of the goats named Brausewind,” said the goat in a very shrill voice.
“Then I shall come and fetch you,” cried the elf.
“Nay, do not come for me, for I am still so little,” said the goat; “wait a bit, till the second Brausewind comes, for he is much larger than I am.”
“Very well,” quoth the elf.
After a while the other goat Brausewind came along, and he began to go over the bridge.