He brooded on this imagination so long that he became fully convinced
of its truth; but still the golden egg was long in hatching.
One night he thought he would watch a while. He had just left a large
barley-cake and some cheese, a bowl of furmety, and a dish of fruit.
"This monster," thought he, "devours more victuals than the worth of his
ugly carcase."
He hid himself behind a tree, when presently he heard a rustling behind
him. Ere he could retreat he was seized with a rude grasp, and the gruff
accents of his master were heard angrily exclaiming--
"How now, sir knave?--What mischief art thou plotting this blessed
night? Answer me. No equivocation. If thou dost serve me with a lie in
thy mouth I'll have thee whipt until thou shall wish the life were out
o' thee."
Gregory fell on his knees and swore roundly that he would tell the
truth.
"Quick, hound; I have caught thee lurching here at last. I long thought
thou hadst some knavery agoing. What meanest thou?"
Gregory pointed towards the provision which was lying hard by.
"Eh, sirrah! what have we hear?" said his master, curiously examining
the dainties.
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