and asked why it was kept there.

"'I did have it to kill geese with; but now, since you're the only goose
I want, it isn't used.' Mr. Man said, and Mrs. Goose asked:

"'Is it sharp?'

"'Oh dear, yes, just like a razor,' Mr. Man said, still looking at the
eggs.

"'Well, do you know I'm tired of doing so much work,' foolish Mrs. Goose
said, 'and I've been thinking that you might fix things so I wouldn't be
tied down to this egg-laying every day. Surely _I_ ought to live in
comfort.'

[Illustration: Mrs. Goose watches Mr. Man as he takes the golden eggs
out of the basket.]

"'That is what I intend you shall be able to do,' Mr. Man answered, for
he wanted to keep her contented. 'Is there anything more you need, Mrs.
Goose?'

"'I want to live without doing any kind of work,' Mrs. Goose said, as if
she was the most abused bird in the world.

"'But then how could we get these beautiful eggs?' Mr. Man cried.
'Surely you take as much pleasure in them as I do!

"'All that may be; but it is a great exertion to lay one every day, and
no sooner is the work finished than I think of the same task to be done