all with such force that the windowpane shook and was almost broken.

The robbers had never heard such a noise.

They thought it must come from witches, or giants, or goblins, and they
all ran as fast as they could to the wood behind the house.

Then our four friends rushed in and ate what the robbers had left upon
the table.

It did not take long, for they acted as if they had been hungry for a
month.

When the four had eaten, they put out the light, and each went to sleep
in the spot which he liked the best.

The donkey lay down in the yard.

The dog lay behind the door.

The cat curled himself in front of the fire, while the cock flew up on a
high beam.

They soon fell fast asleep.


THE FOUR FRIENDS--III

When all was still and the light was out, the robber chief sent one of
his bravest men back to the house.