tub in the grocer's shop.'

And the Goblin put the tongue on the coffee-mill, and how it
began to grind! He put it on the butter-cask, and on the till,
and all were of the same opinion as the waste-paper tub. and one
must believe the majority.

'Now I will tell the student!' and with these words he crept
softly up the stairs to the attic where the student lived.

There was a light burning, and the Goblin peeped through the
key-hole and saw that he was reading the torn book that he had
bought in the shop.


But how bright it was! Out of the book shot a streak of light
which grew into a large tree and spread its branches far above
the student. Every leaf was alive, and every flower was a
beautiful girl's head, some with dark and shining eyes, others
with wonderful blue ones. Every fruit was a glittering star, and
there was a marvellous music in the student's room. The little
Goblin had never even dreamt of such a splendid sight, much less
seen it.

He stood on tiptoe gazing and gazing, till the candle in the
attic was put out; the student had blown it out and had gone to
bed, but the Goblin remained standing outside listening to the
music, which very softly and sweetly was now singing the student
a lullaby.