Atondido Stories
“Now hurry home,” she said, “for your brothers are already
there and your father is waiting for you.”
As soon as Kubik reached home the farmer called his three
sons together and demanded to be shown their betrothal gifts.
All the eldest son had was a common brass ring.
“Um,” the farmer said, shaking his head. “Well, put it away
for a keepsake.”
The second son showed a silver ring that was worth a few
cents more.
“A little better,” the old man mumbled, “but not good
enough for a farmer. Put it away for a keepsake. And now,” he
said, turning to his youngest son, “let us see what Kubik has
brought from his promised bride.”
They all looked at Kubik, and Kubik blushed as he felt in his
pocket for the little package.
“Ho, ho!” his brothers laughed. “Kubik has such a fine ring
that he has to keep it wrapped up.”
But when he opened the paper they stopped laughing, and
well they might, for there was a great diamond that sparkled
and blazed until it seemed that the sun was shining in the room.
“Kubik!” the farmer cried when at last he found his voice,
“where did you get that ring? You must have stolen it, you wick-
ed boy!” And without waiting to hear what Kubik had to say, he
reached for a whip and trounced the poor lad to within an inch
of his life. Then he took the ring and hid it carefully away.
“Now, my boys,” he said to his sons, “you will all have to
make another trial. This time ask of your promised brides the
gift of an embroidered kerchief and he who brings back the most
beautiful kerchief shall be my heir.”
So the next day the three sons again started out, each in a
different direction.
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