The Blacksmith and the Devil
The Stranger Arrives
A Blacksmith in his shop looking at a finely dressed stranger
One time there was a Blacksmith, and this Blacksmith would rather be relaxing with a bottle than working his bellows or swinging his sledge-hammer. Every Monday morning, regular as clockwork, he took his leisure; and if he was ready for work by the following Sunday, it was only so that he could begin again the next day.
By and by, after he had spent much time idling, there came a tap at his door, and in walked the Devil. He had hidden his tail and his hooves and horns, and was dressed just like a fine gentleman; and he took off his hat and bowed to the Blacksmith.
"You have been a good friend to me, Brother Blacksmith," says the Devil, "so now I have come to take you along to my place."