There was once a man who had a daughter who was called Clever Elsie.And when she had grown up her father said: «We will get her married.’«Yes,» said the mother, «if only someone would come who would haveher.» At length a man came from a distance and wooed her, who wascalled Hans; but he stipulated that Clever Elsie should be reallysmart. «Oh,» said the father, «she has plenty of good sense’; and themother said: «Oh, she can see the wind coming up the street, and hearthe flies coughing.» «Well,» said Hans, «if she is not really smart, Iwon’t have her.» When they were sitting at dinner and had eaten, themother said: «Elsie, go into the cellar and fetch some beer.» ThenClever Elsie took the pitcher from the wall, went into the cellar, andtapped the lid briskly as she went, so that the time might notappear long. When she was below she fetched herself a chair, andset it before the barrel so that she had no need to stoop, and did nothurt her back or do herself any unexpected injury. Then she placed thecan before her, and turned the tap, and while the beer was running shewould not let her eyes be idle, but looked up at the wall, and aftermuch peering here and there, saw a pick-axe exactly above her, which themasons had accidentally left there.
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