Seite 561 von 626

Then still more men fell down, one after the other; they brought

nine dead men's legs and two skulls, and set them up and played

at nine-pins with them. The youth also wanted to play and said:

'Listen you, can I join you?' 'Yes, if you have any money.'

'Money enough,' replied he, 'but your balls are not quite round.'

Then he took the skulls and put them in the lathe and turned them

till they were round. 'There, now they will roll better!' said

he. 'Hurrah! now we'll have fun!' He played with them and lost

some of his money, but when it struck twelve, everything vanished

from his sight. He lay down and quietly fell asleep. Next morning

the king came to inquire after him. 'How has it fared with you

this time?' asked he. 'I have been playing at nine-pins,' he

answered, 'and have lost a couple of farthings.' 'Have you not

shuddered then?' 'What?' said he, 'I have had a wonderful time!

If I did but know what it was to shudder!'