along together on foot.'

As they went on their way Hans told the stranger both about the
errand he had on hand and the fun he had had with Old Eric. The
other said but little but he was well acquainted with the way,
and it was no long time before they arrived at the gate. There
both horse and rider disappeared, and Hans was left alone
outside. 'They will come and let me in presently,' he thought to
himself; but no one came. He hammered at the gate; still no one
appeared. Then he got tired of waiting, and smashed at the gate
with his staff until he knocked it in pieces and got inside. A
whole troop of little demons came down upon him and asked what he
wanted. His master's compliments, said Hans, and he wanted three
years' tribute. At this they howled at him, and were about to
lay hold of him and drag him off; but when they had got some raps
from his walking-stick they let go again, howled still louder
than before, and ran in to Old Eric, who was still in bed, after
his adventure in the lake. They told him that a messenger had
come from the squire at Devilmoss to demand three years' tribute.
He had knocked the gate to pieces and bruised their arms and legs
with his iron staff.

'Give him three years'! give him ten!' shouted Old Eric, 'only
don't let him come near me.'

So all the little demons came dragging so much silver and gold
that it was something awful. Hans filled his bundle with gold
and silver coins, put it on his neck, and tramped back to his
master, who was scared beyond all measure at seeing him again.