Reaching home, his mother doubted that the table-cloth possessed a magic charm, and upon spreading it out, Rudolph discovered that it was nothing but a common table-cloth.
His old mother sent Rudolph back to the North Wind’s cave, insisting that he should return the flour.
“I have it not,” growled the North Wind, “but I will give you this little goat instead. You have but to tell it this: ‘Make money, master Bill,’ and he will give you golden coin as many as you will.”
When Rudolph reached the inn he foolishly showed the magic goat, and commanded that golden coins fall from its mouth. The inn-keeper crept to the shed and stole the goat, slyly placing another there. Reaching home and finding that it was an ordinary goat, his mother insisted that he go again to the cave of the North Wind and for the third time demand the return of the flour.
“I have it not,” growled the North Wind, “nor can I give you anything except this cudgel which hath a magic charm. You have only to say: ‘Good cudgel, hit away,’ and it will obey you until you bid it stop.”
He showed the magic staff at the inn and placing it upon a table pretended to sleep. The host crept into the room to steal the stick, but Rudolph exclaimed: “Stay! I see what you would be at! Good cudgel, hit away!”
The cudgel thumped about the inn-keeper’s ears until he cried for mercy, but Rudolph would not command it to stop beating him until he had brought back the magic table-cloth and the magic goat.
Returning home his mother thought it was indeed well the North Wind stole the flour. Spreading the table-cloth every dish appeared as they called for it, and they invited their neighbors to enjoy the feast. Each time the magic goat said “Baa!” golden coins would fall from his mouth, and Rudolph became very rich. He built a beautiful home and placed the cudgel behind the front door. Whenever any one comes to steal from him the magic club drives the rogue away.