Datasets:

WorkInTheDark

/

FairytaleQA

like 7

the-sunchild

at last , however , the sunball became aware how sad letiko was . he sent her a second time to bring straw , and , slipping in after her , he heard how she lamented for her mother . then he went home , called two foxes to him , and said : ' will you take letiko home ? ' ' yes , why not ? ' ' but what will you eat and drink if you should become hungry and thirsty by the way ? ' ' we will eat her flesh and drink her blood . ' when the sunball heard that , he said : ' you are not suited for this affair . ' then he sent them away , and called two hares to him , and said : ' will you take letiko home to her mother ? ' ' yes , why not ? ' ' what will you eat and drink if you should become hungry and thirsty by the way ? ' ' we will eat grass and drink from streamlets . ' ' then take her , and bring her home . '

why were the foxes declined as the deliverers ?

because they will eat and drink letiko when they grow hungry .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-sunchild

at last , however , the sunball became aware how sad letiko was . he sent her a second time to bring straw , and , slipping in after her , he heard how she lamented for her mother . then he went home , called two foxes to him , and said : ' will you take letiko home ? ' ' yes , why not ? ' ' but what will you eat and drink if you should become hungry and thirsty by the way ? ' ' we will eat her flesh and drink her blood . ' when the sunball heard that , he said : ' you are not suited for this affair . ' then he sent them away , and called two hares to him , and said : ' will you take letiko home to her mother ? ' ' yes , why not ? ' ' what will you eat and drink if you should become hungry and thirsty by the way ? ' ' we will eat grass and drink from streamlets . ' ' then take her , and bring her home . '

who did sunball choose at the end as the deliverers ?

the hares .

local

action

explicit

the-sunchild

then the hares set out , taking letiko with them , and because it was a long way to her home they became hungry by the way . then they said to the little girl : ' climb this tree , dear letiko , and remain there till we have finished eating . ' so letiko climbed the tree , and the hares went grazing . it was not very long , however , before a lamia came under the tree and called out : ' letiko , letiko , come down and see what beautiful shoes i have on . ' ' oh ! my shoes are much finer than yours . ' ' come down . i am in a hurry , for my house is not yet swept . ' ' go home and sweep it then , and come back when you are ready . '

what did the hares order letiko to do while they graze ?

to remain on top of the tree .

local

action

explicit

the-sunchild

then the hares set out , taking letiko with them , and because it was a long way to her home they became hungry by the way . then they said to the little girl : ' climb this tree , dear letiko , and remain there till we have finished eating . ' so letiko climbed the tree , and the hares went grazing . it was not very long , however , before a lamia came under the tree and called out : ' letiko , letiko , come down and see what beautiful shoes i have on . ' ' oh ! my shoes are much finer than yours . ' ' come down . i am in a hurry , for my house is not yet swept . ' ' go home and sweep it then , and come back when you are ready . '

what came under the tree ?

a lamia .

local

action

explicit

the-sunchild

when the lamia was gone away , letiko called out : ' little hares ! little hares ! ' then said one hare to the other : ' listen , letiko is calling ; ' and they both ran back to her as fast as they could go . then letiko came down from the tree , and they went on their way . the lamia ran as fast as she could after them , to catch them up , and when she came to a field where people were working she asked them : ' have you seen anyone pass this way ? ' they answered : ' we are planting beans . ' ' oh ! i did not ask about that ; but if anyone had passed this way . ' but the people only answered the louder : ' are you deaf ? it is beans , beans , beans we are planting . '

what did the people say when the lamia asked if they saw any pass ?

we are planting beans .

local

action

explicit

the-sunchild

when letiko had nearly reached her home the dog knew her , and called out , ' bow wow ! see here comes letiko ! ' and the mother said , ' hush ! thou beast of ill - omen ! wilt thou make me burst with misery ? ' next the cat on the roof saw her , and called out ' miaouw ! miaouw ! see here comes letiko ! ' and the mother said , ' keep silence ! thou beast of ill - omen ! wilt thou make me burst with misery ? ' then the cock spied , and called out : ' cock - a - doodle - do ! see here comes letiko ! ' and the mother said again : ' be quiet ! thou bird of ill - omen ! wilt thou make me burst with misery ? '

what are the three animals that told the mother of letiko's return ?

dog , cat , and cock .

local

action

explicit

the-sunchild

the nearer letiko and the two hares came to the house the nearer also came the lamia , and when the hare was about to slip in by the house door she caught it by its little tail and tore it out . when the hare came in the mother stood up and said to it : ' welcome , dear little hare ; because you have brought me back letiko i will silver your little tail . ' and she did so ; and lived ever after with her daughter in happiness and content .

why did the mother grant the hare a silver tail ?

because she was pleased about the fact that it had brought letiko back .

local

causal relationship

implicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

one morning a little rabbit sat on a bank . he pricked his ears and listened to the trit - trot , trit - trot of a pony . a gig was coming along the road ; it was driven by mr . mcgregor , and beside him sat mrs . mcgregor in her best bonnet . as soon as they had passed , little benjamin bunny slid down into the road , and set off -- with a hop , skip and a jump -- to call upon his relations , who lived in the wood at the back of mr . mcgregor 's garden . that wood was full of rabbit holes ; and in the neatest sandiest hole of all , cousins -- flopsy , mopsy , cotton - tail and peter .

why did little benjamin bunny slide down the raod hopping, skipping, and jumping ?

to call upon his relations , who lived in the wood at the back of mrs . mcgregor 's garden .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

old mrs . rabbit was a widow ; she earned her living by knitting rabbit - wool mittens and muffetees ( i once bought a pair at a bazaar ) . she also sold herbs , and rosemary tea , and rabbit - tobacco ( which is what we call lavender ) . little benjamin did not very much want to see his aunt . he came round the back of the fir - tree , and nearly tumbled upon the top of his cousin peter . peter was sitting by himself . he looked poorly , and was dressed in a red cotton pocket - handkerchief .

how did old mrs. rabbit earn her living ?

by knitting rabbit - wool mittens and muffetees .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

old mrs . rabbit was a widow ; she earned her living by knitting rabbit - wool mittens and muffetees ( i once bought a pair at a bazaar ) . she also sold herbs , and rosemary tea , and rabbit - tobacco ( which is what we call lavender ) . little benjamin did not very much want to see his aunt . he came round the back of the fir - tree , and nearly tumbled upon the top of his cousin peter . peter was sitting by himself . he looked poorly , and was dressed in a red cotton pocket - handkerchief .

what was peter dressed in ?

a red cotton pocket - handkerchief .

local

character

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

" peter,"--said little benjamin , in a whisper--"who has got your clothes ? " peter replied--"the scarecrow in mr . mcgregor 's garden , " and described how he had been chased about the garden , and had dropped his shoes and coat . little benjamin sat down beside his cousin , and assured him that mr . mcgregor had gone out in a gig , and mrs . mcgregor also ; and certainly for the day , because she was wearing her best bonnet . peter said he hoped that it would rain .

why were peter's clothes in mr. mcgregor's garden ?

he had been chased about the garden and had dropped his shoes and coat .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

at this point , old mrs . rabbit 's voice was heard inside the rabbit hole calling--"cotton - tail ! cotton - tail ! fetch some more camomile ! " peter said he thought he might feel better if he went for a walk . they went away hand in hand , and got upon the flat top of the wall at the bottom of the wood . from here they looked down into mr . mcgregor 's garden . peter 's coat and shoes were plainly to be seen upon the scarecrow , topped with an old tam - o - shanter of mr . mcgregor 's . little benjamin said , " it spoils people 's clothes to squeeze under a gate ; the proper way to get in , is to climb down a pear tree . " peter fell down head first ; but it was of no consequence , as the bed below was newly raked and quite soft . it had been sown with lettuces .

why was peter not hurt after falling own on his head ?

the bed below was newly raked and quite soft . it had been sown with lettuces .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

they left a great many odd little foot - marks all over the bed , especially little benjamin , who was wearing clogs . little benjamin said that the first thing to be done was to get back peter 's clothes , in order that they might be able to use the pocket handkerchief . they took them off the scarecrow . there had been rain during the night ; there was water in the shoes , and the coat was somewhat shrunk . benjamin tried on the tam - o - shanter , but it was too big for him . then he suggested that they should fill the pocket - handkerchief with onions , as a little present for his aunt . peter did not seem to be enjoying himself ; he kept hearing noises .

what did peter suggest as a present for his aunt ?

to fill the pocket - handkerchie with onions .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

they got amongst flower - pots , and frames and tubs ; peter heard noises worse than ever , his eyes were as big as lolly - pops ! he was a step or two in front of his cousin , when he suddenly stopped . this is what those little rabbits saw round that corner ! little benjamin took one look , and then , in half a minute less than no time , he hid himself and peter and the onions underneath a large basket .... the cat got up and stretched herself , and came and sniffed at the basket . perhaps she liked the smell of onions ! anyway , she sat down upon the top of the basket . she sat there for five hours .

what did little benjamin and peter do when they heard the noises ?

they hid themselves and the onions underneath a large basket .

local

action

implicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

they got amongst flower - pots , and frames and tubs ; peter heard noises worse than ever , his eyes were as big as lolly - pops ! he was a step or two in front of his cousin , when he suddenly stopped . this is what those little rabbits saw round that corner ! little benjamin took one look , and then , in half a minute less than no time , he hid himself and peter and the onions underneath a large basket .... the cat got up and stretched herself , and came and sniffed at the basket . perhaps she liked the smell of onions ! anyway , she sat down upon the top of the basket . she sat there for five hours .

how long did the cat sit at the top of the basket ?

for five hours .

local

action

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

i can not draw you a picture of peter and benjamin underneath the basket , because it was quite dark , and because the smell of onions was fearful ; it made peter rabbit and little benjamin cry . the sun got round behind the wood , and it was quite late in the afternoon ; but still the cat sat upon the basket . at length there was a pitter - patter , pitter - patter , and some bits of mortar fell from the wall above . the cat looked up and saw old mr . benjamin bunny prancing along the top of the wall of the upper terrace . he was smoking a pipe of rabbit - tobacco , and had a little switch in his hand . he was looking for his son.v

why was mr. benjamin bunny prancing along the top of the wall of the upper terrace ?

he was looking for his son .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

old mr . bunny had no opinion whatever of cats . he took a tremendous jump off the top of the wall on to the top of the cat , and cuffed it off the basket , and kicked it into the garden - house , scratching off a handful of fur . the cat was too much surprised to scratch back . when old mr . bunny had driven the cat into the green - house , he locked the door . then he came back to the basket and took out his son benjamin by the ears , and whipped him with the little switch . then he took out his nephew peter . then he took out the handkerchief of onions , and marched out of the garden .

what did old mr. bunny do when he had driven the cat into the green-house ?

he locked the door and whipped his son benjamin .

local

action

implicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

when mr . mcgregor returned about half an hour later , he observed several things which perplexed him . it looked as though some person had been walking all over the garden in a pair of clogs -- only the foot - marks were too ridiculously little ! also he could not understand how the cat could have managed to shut herself up inside the green - house , locking the door upon the outside . when peter got home , his mother forgave him , because she was so glad to see that he had found his shoes and coat . cotton - tail and peter folded up the pocket - handkerchief , and old mrs . rabbit strung up the onions and hung them from the kitchen ceiling , with the rabbit - tobacco .

why did peter's mother forgive him ?

because she was so glad to see that he had found his shoes and coat .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny

when mr . mcgregor returned about half an hour later , he observed several things which perplexed him . it looked as though some person had been walking all over the garden in a pair of clogs -- only the foot - marks were too ridiculously little ! also he could not understand how the cat could have managed to shut herself up inside the green - house , locking the door upon the outside . when peter got home , his mother forgave him , because she was so glad to see that he had found his shoes and coat . cotton - tail and peter folded up the pocket - handkerchief , and old mrs . rabbit strung up the onions and hung them from the kitchen ceiling , with the rabbit - tobacco .

what did old mrs. rabbit do with the onions ?

old mrs . rabbit strung up the onions and hung them rom the kitchen ceiling , with the rabbit - tobacco .

local

action

explicit

two-maidens

have you ever seen a maiden ? i mean what our pavers call a maiden , a thing with which they ram down the paving - stones in the roads . a maiden of this kind is made altogether of wood , broad below , and girt round with iron rings . at the top she is narrow , and has a stick passed across through her waist , and this stick forms the arms of the maiden . in the shed stood two maidens of this kind . they had their place among shovels , hand - carts , wheelbarrows , and measuring - tapes ; and to all this company the news had come that the maidens were no longer to be called " maidens , " but " hand - rammers , " which word was the newest and the only correct designation among the pavers for the thing we all know from the old times by the name of " the maiden . "

what does a maiden do ?

ram down paving stones in the roads .

local

action

explicit

two-maidens

have you ever seen a maiden ? i mean what our pavers call a maiden , a thing with which they ram down the paving - stones in the roads . a maiden of this kind is made altogether of wood , broad below , and girt round with iron rings . at the top she is narrow , and has a stick passed across through her waist , and this stick forms the arms of the maiden . in the shed stood two maidens of this kind . they had their place among shovels , hand - carts , wheelbarrows , and measuring - tapes ; and to all this company the news had come that the maidens were no longer to be called " maidens , " but " hand - rammers , " which word was the newest and the only correct designation among the pavers for the thing we all know from the old times by the name of " the maiden . "

what forms the arms of the maiden ?

the stick passed across through her waist .

local

character

explicit

two-maidens

have you ever seen a maiden ? i mean what our pavers call a maiden , a thing with which they ram down the paving - stones in the roads . a maiden of this kind is made altogether of wood , broad below , and girt round with iron rings . at the top she is narrow , and has a stick passed across through her waist , and this stick forms the arms of the maiden . in the shed stood two maidens of this kind . they had their place among shovels , hand - carts , wheelbarrows , and measuring - tapes ; and to all this company the news had come that the maidens were no longer to be called " maidens , " but " hand - rammers , " which word was the newest and the only correct designation among the pavers for the thing we all know from the old times by the name of " the maiden . "

where did the two maidens stand ?

in the shed .

local

setting

explicit

two-maidens

now , there are among us human creatures certain individuals who are known as " emancipated women , " as , for instance , principals of institutions , dancers who stand professionally on one leg , milliners , and sick - nurses ; and with this class of emancipated women the two maidens in the shed associated themselves . they were " maidens " among the paver folk , and determined not to give up this honorable appellation , and let themselves be miscalled " rammers . "

who, other than the maidens, are emancipated women ?

nurses .

local

character

implicit

two-maidens

now , there are among us human creatures certain individuals who are known as " emancipated women , " as , for instance , principals of institutions , dancers who stand professionally on one leg , milliners , and sick - nurses ; and with this class of emancipated women the two maidens in the shed associated themselves . they were " maidens " among the paver folk , and determined not to give up this honorable appellation , and let themselves be miscalled " rammers . "

what were the maidens determined not to do ?

give up the name " maiden " .

local

action

implicit

two-maidens

now , there are among us human creatures certain individuals who are known as " emancipated women , " as , for instance , principals of institutions , dancers who stand professionally on one leg , milliners , and sick - nurses ; and with this class of emancipated women the two maidens in the shed associated themselves . they were " maidens " among the paver folk , and determined not to give up this honorable appellation , and let themselves be miscalled " rammers . " " maiden is a human name , but hand - rammer is a thing , and we wo n't be called things -- that 's insulting us . " " my lover would be ready to give up his engagement , " said the youngest , who was betrothed to a paver 's hammer ; and the hammer is the thing which drives great piles into the earth , like a machine , and therefore does on a large scale what ten maidens effect in a similar way . " he wants to marry me as a maiden , but whether he would have me were i a hand - rammer is a question , so i wo n't have my name changed . " " and i , " said the elder one , " would rather have both my arms broken off . "

why did the maidens want to be called maidens ?

because that 's an honerable title .

summary

causal relationship

implicit

two-maidens

" maiden is a human name , but hand - rammer is a thing , and we wo n't be called things -- that 's insulting us . " " my lover would be ready to give up his engagement , " said the youngest , who was betrothed to a paver 's hammer ; and the hammer is the thing which drives great piles into the earth , like a machine , and therefore does on a large scale what ten maidens effect in a similar way . " he wants to marry me as a maiden , but whether he would have me were i a hand - rammer is a question , so i wo n't have my name changed . " " and i , " said the elder one , " would rather have both my arms broken off . "

who is the youngest betrothed to ?

a paver 's hammer .

local

character

explicit

two-maidens

but the wheelbarrow was of a different opinion ; and the wheelbarrow was looked upon as of some consequence , for he considered himself a quarter of a coach , because he went about upon one wheel . " i must submit to your notice , " he said , " that the name ' maiden ' is common enough , and not nearly so refined as ' hand - rammer , ' or ' stamper , ' which latter has also been proposed , and through which you would be introduced into the category of seals ; and only think of the great stamp of state , which impresses the royal seal that gives effect to the laws ! no , in your case i would surrender my maiden name . " " no , certainly not ! " exclaimed the elder . " i am too old for that . "

why did the wheelbarrow consider himself a quarter of a coach ?

because he went about on one wheel .

local

causal relationship

explicit

two-maidens

but the wheelbarrow was of a different opinion ; and the wheelbarrow was looked upon as of some consequence , for he considered himself a quarter of a coach , because he went about upon one wheel . " i must submit to your notice , " he said , " that the name ' maiden ' is common enough , and not nearly so refined as ' hand - rammer , ' or ' stamper , ' which latter has also been proposed , and through which you would be introduced into the category of seals ; and only think of the great stamp of state , which impresses the royal seal that gives effect to the laws ! no , in your case i would surrender my maiden name . " " no , certainly not ! " exclaimed the elder . " i am too old for that . "

what does the wheelbarrow think the maiden should surrender ?

her maiden name .

local

action

explicit

two-maidens

but the wheelbarrow was of a different opinion ; and the wheelbarrow was looked upon as of some consequence , for he considered himself a quarter of a coach , because he went about upon one wheel . " i must submit to your notice , " he said , " that the name ' maiden ' is common enough , and not nearly so refined as ' hand - rammer , ' or ' stamper , ' which latter has also been proposed , and through which you would be introduced into the category of seals ; and only think of the great stamp of state , which impresses the royal seal that gives effect to the laws ! no , in your case i would surrender my maiden name . " " no , certainly not ! " exclaimed the elder . " i am too old for that . "

why doesn't the maiden want to surrender her maiden name ?

she is too old for that .

local

causal relationship

explicit

two-maidens

" i presume you have never heard of what is called ' european necessity ? ' " observed the honest measuring tape . " one must be able to adapt one 's self to time and circumstances , and if there is a law that the ' maiden ' is to be called ' hand - rammer , ' why , she must be called ' hand - rammer , ' and no pouting will avail , for everything has its measure . " " no ; if there must be a change , " said the younger , " i should prefer to be called ' missy , ' for that reminds one a little of maidens . " " but i would rather be chopped to chips , " said the elder . at last they all went to work . the maidens rode -- that is , they were put in a wheelbarrow , and that was a distinction ; but still they were called " hand - rammers . "

how will the maidens feel about being called the wrong name ?

angry .

local

prediction

implicit

two-maidens

" mai-- ! " they said , as they were bumped upon the pavement . " mai-- ! " and they were very nearly pronouncing the whole word " maiden ; " but they broke off short , and swallowed the last syllable ; for after mature deliberation they considered it beneath their dignity to protest . but they always called each other " maiden , " and praised the good old days in which everything had been called by its right name , and those who were maidens were called maidens . and they remained as they were ; for the hammer really broke off his engagement with the younger one , for nothing would suit him but he must have a maiden for his bride .

what happened when they decided to keep their names ?

the hammer broke off his engagement .

local

outcome resolution

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

once upon a time there was an old cat , called mrs . tabitha twitchit , who was an anxious parent . she used to lose her kittens continually , and whenever they were lost they were always in mischief ! on baking day she determined to shut them up in a cupboard . she caught moppet and mittens , but she could not find tom . mrs . tabitha went up and down all over the house , mewing for tom kitten . she looked in the pantry under the staircase , and she searched the best spare bedroom that was all covered up with dust sheets . she went right upstairs and looked into the attics , but she could not find him anywhere .

what kind of parent was mrs. tabitha twitchit ?

an anxious one .

local

character

implicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

it was an old , old house , full of cupboards and passages . some of the walls were four feet thick , and there used to be queer noises inside them , as if there might be a little secret staircase . certainly there were odd little jagged doorways in the wainscot , and things disappeared at night -- especially cheese and bacon . mrs . tabitha became more and more distracted , and mewed dreadfully . while their mother was searching the house , moppet and mittens had got into mischief . the cupboard door was not locked , so they pushed it open and came out . they went straight to the dough which was set to rise in a pan before the fire . they patted it with their little soft paws--"shall we make dear little muffins ? " said mittens to moppet .

what kind of things often disappeared at night ?

cheese and bacon .

local

setting

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

it was an old , old house , full of cupboards and passages . some of the walls were four feet thick , and there used to be queer noises inside them , as if there might be a little secret staircase . certainly there were odd little jagged doorways in the wainscot , and things disappeared at night -- especially cheese and bacon . mrs . tabitha became more and more distracted , and mewed dreadfully . while their mother was searching the house , moppet and mittens had got into mischief . the cupboard door was not locked , so they pushed it open and came out . they went straight to the dough which was set to rise in a pan before the fire . they patted it with their little soft paws--"shall we make dear little muffins ? " said mittens to moppet .

why were moppet and mittens able to push open the cupboard ?

the door was not locked .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

but just at that moment somebody knocked at the front door , and moppet jumped into the flour barrel in a fright . mittens ran away to the dairy , and hid in an empty jar on the stone shelf where the milk pans stand . the visitor was a neighbor , mrs . ribby ; she had called to borrow some yeast . mrs . tabitha came downstairs mewing dreadfully--"come in , cousin ribby , come in , and sit ye down ! i 'm in sad trouble , cousin ribby , " said tabitha , shedding tears . " i 've lost my dear son thomas ; i 'm afraid the rats have got him . " she wiped her eyes with an apron .

who knocked at the front door ?

mrs . ribby .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

ribby and tabitha set to work to search the house thoroughly again . they poked under the beds with ribby 's umbrella , and they rummaged in cupboards . they even fetched a candle , and looked inside a clothes chest in one of the attics . they could not find anything , but once they heard a door bang and somebody scuttered downstairs . " yes , it is infested with rats , " said tabitha tearfully , " i caught seven young ones out of one hole in the back kitchen , and we had them for dinner last saturday . and once i saw the old father rat -- an enormous old rat , cousin ribby . i was just going to jump upon him , when he showed his yellow teeth at me and whisked down the hole . " " the rats get upon my nerves , cousin ribby , " said tabitha . ribby and tabitha searched and searched . they both heard a curious roly - poly noise under the attic floor . but there was nothing to be seen .

where in the house did ribby and tabitha search ?

ribby 's umbrella .

local

action

implicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

ribby and tabitha set to work to search the house thoroughly again . they poked under the beds with ribby 's umbrella , and they rummaged in cupboards . they even fetched a candle , and looked inside a clothes chest in one of the attics . they could not find anything , but once they heard a door bang and somebody scuttered downstairs . " yes , it is infested with rats , " said tabitha tearfully , " i caught seven young ones out of one hole in the back kitchen , and we had them for dinner last saturday . and once i saw the old father rat -- an enormous old rat , cousin ribby . i was just going to jump upon him , when he showed his yellow teeth at me and whisked down the hole . " " the rats get upon my nerves , cousin ribby , " said tabitha . ribby and tabitha searched and searched . they both heard a curious roly - poly noise under the attic floor . but there was nothing to be seen .

what happened when tabitha tried to jump upon the old father rat ?

the old father rat showed his yellow teeth and whisked down the hold .

local

outcome resolution

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

they returned to the kitchen . " here 's one of your kittens at least , " said ribby , dragging moppet out of the flour barrel . they shook the flour off her and set her down on the kitchen floor . she seemed to be in a terrible fright . " oh ! mother , mother , " said moppet , " there 's been an old woman rat in the kitchen , and she 's stolen some of the dough ! " the two cats ran to look at the dough pan . sure enough there were marks of little scratching fingers , and a lump of dough was gone ! " which way did she go , moppet ? " but moppet had been too much frightened to peep out of the barrel again . ribby and tabitha took her with them to keep her safely in sight , while they went on with their search .

who stole the dough ?

old woman rat .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

they went into the dairy . the first thing they found was mittens , hiding in an empty jar . they tipped up the jar , and she scrambled out . " oh , mother , mother ! " said mittens-- " oh ! mother , mother , there has been an old man rat in the dairy -- a dreadful enormous big rat , mother ; and he 's stolen a pat of butter and the rolling - pin . " ribby and tabitha looked at one another . " a rolling - pin and butter ! oh , my poor son thomas ! " exclaimed tabitha , wringing her paws . " a rolling - pin ? " said ribby . " did we not hear a roly - poly noise in the attic when we were looking into that chest ? "

where was mitthens hiding in ?

an empty jar .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

they went into the dairy . the first thing they found was mittens , hiding in an empty jar . they tipped up the jar , and she scrambled out . " oh , mother , mother ! " said mittens-- " oh ! mother , mother , there has been an old man rat in the dairy -- a dreadful enormous big rat , mother ; and he 's stolen a pat of butter and the rolling - pin . " ribby and tabitha looked at one another . " a rolling - pin and butter ! oh , my poor son thomas ! " exclaimed tabitha , wringing her paws . " a rolling - pin ? " said ribby . " did we not hear a roly - poly noise in the attic when we were looking into that chest ? "

how did mittens descrive the old man rat who stole a pat of butter and the rolling-pin ?

a dreadful , normous , bug rat .

local

character

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

ribby and tabitha rushed upstairs again . sure enough the roly - poly noise was still going on quite distinctly under the attic floor . " this is serious , cousin tabitha , " said ribby . " we must send for john joiner at once , with a saw . " now this is what had been happening to tom kitten , and it shows how very unwise it is to go up a chimney in a very old house , where a person does not know his way , and where there are enormous rats . tom kitten did not want to be shut up in a cupboard . when he saw that his mother was going to bake , he determined to hide . he looked about for a nice convenient place , and he fixed upon the chimney . the fire had only just been lighted , and it was not hot ; but there was a white choky smoke from the green sticks . tom kitten got upon the fender and looked up . it was a big old - fashioned fireplace .

why did tom kitten hide ?

he did not want to be shut up in a cupboard .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

the chimney itself was wide enough inside for a man to stand up and walk about . so there was plenty of room for a little tom cat . he jumped right up into the fireplace , balancing himself upon the iron bar where the kettle hangs . tom kitten took another big jump off the bar , and landed on a ledge high up inside the chimney , knocking down some soot into the fender . tom kitten coughed and choked with the smoke ; he could hear the sticks beginning to crackle and burn in the fireplace down below . he made up his mind to climb right to the top , and get out on the slates , and try to catch sparrows . " i can not go back . if i slipped i might fall in the fire and singe my beautiful tail and my little blue jacket . " the chimney was a very big old - fashioned one . it was built in the days when people burnt logs of wood upon the hearth . the chimney stack stood up above the roof like a little stone tower , and the daylight shone down from the top , under the slanting slates that kept out the rain .

what was the chimney like ?

a very old - fashioned one .

local

setting

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

tom kitten was getting very frightened ! he climbed up , and up , and up . then he waded sideways through inches of soot . he was like a little sweep himself . it was most confusing in the dark . one flue seemed to lead into another . there was less smoke , but tom kitten felt quite lost . he scrambled up and up ; but before he reached the chimney top he came to a place where somebody had loosened a stone in the wall . there were some mutton bones lying about-- " this seems funny , " said tom kitten . " who has been gnawing bones up here in the chimney ? i wish i had never come ! and what a funny smell ! it is something like mouse ; only dreadfully strong . it makes me sneeze , " said tom kitten . he squeezed through the hole in the wall , and dragged himself along a most uncomfortably tight passage where there was scarcely any light . he groped his way carefully for several yards ; he was at the back of the skirting - board in the attic , where there is a little mark * in the picture .

what was laid in the chimney ?

mutton bones .

local

setting

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

all at once he fell head over heels in the dark , down a hole , and landed on a heap of very dirty rags . when tom kitten picked himself up and looked about him -- he found himself in a place that he had never seen before , although he had lived all his life in the house . it was a very small stuffy fusty room , with boards , and rafters , and cobwebs , and lath and plaster . opposite to him -- as far away as he could sit -- was an enormous rat . " what do you mean by tumbling into my bed all covered with smuts ? " said the rat , chattering his teeth . " please sir , the chimney wants sweeping , " said poor tom kitten . " anna maria ! anna maria ! " squeaked the rat . there was a pattering noise and an old woman rat poked her head round a rafter . all in a minute she rushed upon tom kitten , and before he knew what was happening-- his coat was pulled off , and he was rolled up in a bundle , and tied with string in very hard knots .

where did tom kitten land after falling ?

a very small stuffy fusty room , with boards , and rafters , and cobwebs , and lath and plaster .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

anna maria did the tying . the old rat watched her and took snuff . when she had finished , they both sat staring at him with their mouths open . " anna maria , " said the old man rat ( whose name was samuel whiskers),--"anna maria , make me a kitten dumpling roly - poly pudding for my dinner . " " it requires dough and a pat of butter , and a rolling - pin , " said anna maria , considering tom kitten with her head on one side . " no , " said samuel whiskers , " make it properly , anna maria , with breadcrumbs . " " nonsense ! butter and dough , " replied anna maria . the two rats consulted together for a few minutes and then went away . samuel whiskers got through a hole in the wainscot , and went boldly down the front staircase to the dairy to get the butter . he did not meet anybody .

what three things are required to make a kittle dumplying roly-poly pudding ?

dough , a pat of butter , rolling - pin .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

anna maria did the tying . the old rat watched her and took snuff . when she had finished , they both sat staring at him with their mouths open . " anna maria , " said the old man rat ( whose name was samuel whiskers),--"anna maria , make me a kitten dumpling roly - poly pudding for my dinner . " " it requires dough and a pat of butter , and a rolling - pin , " said anna maria , considering tom kitten with her head on one side . " no , " said samuel whiskers , " make it properly , anna maria , with breadcrumbs . " " nonsense ! butter and dough , " replied anna maria . the two rats consulted together for a few minutes and then went away . samuel whiskers got through a hole in the wainscot , and went boldly down the front staircase to the dairy to get the butter . he did not meet anybody .

why did samuel whiskers go to the dairy ?

to get the butter .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

he made a second journey for the rolling - pin . he pushed it in front of him with his paws , like a brewer 's man trundling a barrel . he could hear ribby and tabitha talking , but they were busy lighting the candle to look into the chest . they did not see him . anna maria went down by way of the skirting - board and a window shutter to the kitchen to steal the dough . she borrowed a small saucer , and scooped up the dough with her paws . she did not observe moppet . while tom kitten was left alone under the floor of the attic , he wriggled about and tried to mew for help . but his mouth was full of soot and cob - webs , and he was tied up in such very tight knots , he could not make anybody hear him . except a spider , which came out of a crack in the ceiling and examined the knots critically , from a safe distance .

what did anna maria do at the kitchen ?

she borrowed a small saucer , and scoope up the dough with her paws .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

he made a second journey for the rolling - pin . he pushed it in front of him with his paws , like a brewer 's man trundling a barrel . he could hear ribby and tabitha talking , but they were busy lighting the candle to look into the chest . they did not see him . anna maria went down by way of the skirting - board and a window shutter to the kitchen to steal the dough . she borrowed a small saucer , and scooped up the dough with her paws . she did not observe moppet . while tom kitten was left alone under the floor of the attic , he wriggled about and tried to mew for help . but his mouth was full of soot and cob - webs , and he was tied up in such very tight knots , he could not make anybody hear him . except a spider , which came out of a crack in the ceiling and examined the knots critically , from a safe distance .

why was tom kitten mewing for help ?

his mouth was full of soot and cob - webts , and he was tied up in such very tight knots , he could not make anybody hear him .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

it was a judge of knots because it had a habit of tying up unfortunate blue - bottles . it did not offer to assist him . tom kitten wriggled and squirmed until he was quite exhausted . presently the rats came back and set to work to make him into a dumpling . first they smeared him with butter , and then they rolled him in the dough . " will not the string be very indigestible , anna maria ? " inquired samuel whiskers . anna maria said she thought that it was of no consequence ; but she wished that tom kitten would hold his head still , as it disarranged the pastry . she laid hold of his ears . tom kitten bit and spat , and mewed and wriggled ; and the rolling - pin went roly - poly , roly ; roly , poly , roly . the rats each held an end . " his tail is sticking out ! you did not fetch enough dough , anna maria . " " i fetched as much as i could carry , " replied anna maria . " i do not think"--said samuel whiskers , pausing to take a look at tom kitten--"i do not think it will be a good pudding . it smells sooty . "

what did the rats want to make out of tom kitten ?

a dumpling .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

anna maria was about to argue the point , when all at once there began to be other sounds up above -- the rasping noise of a saw ; and the noise of a little dog , scratching and yelping ! the rats dropped the rolling - pin , and listened attentively . " we are discovered and interrupted , anna maria ; let us collect our property,--and other people's,--and depart at once . " " i fear that we shall be obliged to leave this pudding . " " but i am persuaded that the knots would have proved indigestible , whatever you may urge to the contrary . " " come away at once and help me to tie up some mutton bones in a counterpane , " said anna maria . " i have got half a smoked ham hidden in the chimney . "

what is hidden in the chimney ?

half a smoked ham .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

so it happened that by the time john joiner had got the plank up -- there was nobody under the floor except the rolling - pin and tom kitten in a very dirty dumpling ! but there was a strong smell of rats ; and john joiner spent the rest of the morning sniffing and whining , and wagging his tail , and going round and round with his head in the hole like a gimlet . then he nailed the plank down again , and put his tools in his bag , and came downstairs . the cat family had quite recovered . they invited him to stay to dinner . the dumpling had been peeled off tom kitten , and made separately into a bag pudding , with currants in it to hide the smuts . they had been obliged to put tom kitten into a hot bath to get the butter off . john joiner smelt the pudding ; but he regretted that he had not time to stay to dinner , because he had just finished making a wheel - barrow for miss potter , and she had ordered two hen - coops . and when i was going to the post late in the afternoon -- i looked up the lane from the corner , and i saw mr . samuel whiskers and his wife on the run , with big bundles on a little wheel - barrow , which looked very like mine .

what did john joiner regret ?

he regretted that he had not time to stay to dinner because he had just finished making a wheel - barrow for miss potter , and she had ordered two hen - coops .

local

causal relationship

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

they were just turning in at the gate to the barn of farmer potatoes . samuel whiskers was puffing and out of breath . anna maria was still arguing in shrill tones . she seemed to know her way , and she seemed to have a quantity of luggage . i am sure _ i _ never gave her leave to borrow my wheel - barrow ! they went into the barn , and hauled their parcels with a bit of string to the top of the haymow . after that , there were no more rats for a long time at tabitha twitchit 's . as for farmer potatoes , he has been driven nearly distracted . there are rats , and rats , and rats in his barn ! they eat up the chicken food , and steal the oats and bran , and make holes in the meal bags . and they are all descended from mr . and mrs . samuel whiskers -- children and grand - children and great great grand - children . there is no end to them ! moppet and mittens have grown up into very good rat - catchers . they go out rat - catching in the village , and they find plenty of employment . they charge so much a dozen , and earn their living very comfortably . they hang up the rats ' tails in a row or the barn door , to show how many they have caught -- dozens and dozens of them . but tom kitten has always been afraid of a rat ; he never durst face anything that is bigger than-- a mouse .

what did farmer potatoes' barn ?

they eat up the chicken food , and steal the oats and bran , and make holes in the meal bags .

local

action

explicit

the-roly-poly-pudding

they were just turning in at the gate to the barn of farmer potatoes . samuel whiskers was puffing and out of breath . anna maria was still arguing in shrill tones . she seemed to know her way , and she seemed to have a quantity of luggage . i am sure _ i _ never gave her leave to borrow my wheel - barrow ! they went into the barn , and hauled their parcels with a bit of string to the top of the haymow . after that , there were no more rats for a long time at tabitha twitchit 's . as for farmer potatoes , he has been driven nearly distracted . there are rats , and rats , and rats in his barn ! they eat up the chicken food , and steal the oats and bran , and make holes in the meal bags . and they are all descended from mr . and mrs . samuel whiskers -- children and grand - children and great great grand - children . there is no end to them ! moppet and mittens have grown up into very good rat - catchers . they go out rat - catching in the village , and they find plenty of employment . they charge so much a dozen , and earn their living very comfortably . they hang up the rats ' tails in a row or the barn door , to show how many they have caught -- dozens and dozens of them . but tom kitten has always been afraid of a rat ; he never durst face anything that is bigger than-- a mouse .

why do moppet and mittens hang up the rats' tails at the barn door ?

to show how many they have caught .

local

causal relationship

explicit

laotsze

laotsze is really older than heaven and earth put together . he is the yellow lord or ancient , who created this world together with the other four . at various times he has appeared on earth , under various names . his most celebrated incarnation , however , is that of laotsze , " the old child , " which name he was given because he made his appearance on earth with white hair .

who was really older than heaven and earth put together ?

laotsze .

local

character

explicit

laotsze

laotsze is really older than heaven and earth put together . he is the yellow lord or ancient , who created this world together with the other four . at various times he has appeared on earth , under various names . his most celebrated incarnation , however , is that of laotsze , " the old child , " which name he was given because he made his appearance on earth with white hair .

what name was laotsze given ?

the old child .

local

character

explicit

laotsze

he acquired all sorts of magic powers by means of which he extended his life - span . once he hired a servant to do his bidding . he agreed to give him a hundred pieces of copper daily ; yet he did not pay him , and finally he owed him seven million , two hundred thousand pieces of copper . then he mounted a black steer and rode to the west . he wanted to take his servant along . but when they reached the han - gu pass , the servant refused to go further , and insisted on being paid . yet laotsze gave him nothing .

how did laotsze extend his life-span ?

acquired all sorts of magic powers .

local

action

explicit

laotsze

he acquired all sorts of magic powers by means of which he extended his life - span . once he hired a servant to do his bidding . he agreed to give him a hundred pieces of copper daily ; yet he did not pay him , and finally he owed him seven million , two hundred thousand pieces of copper . then he mounted a black steer and rode to the west . he wanted to take his servant along . but when they reached the han - gu pass , the servant refused to go further , and insisted on being paid . yet laotsze gave him nothing .

what happened when laotsze did not pay his servant ?

he owed him seven million , two hundred thousand pieces of copper .

local

outcome resolution

explicit

laotsze

he acquired all sorts of magic powers by means of which he extended his life - span . once he hired a servant to do his bidding . he agreed to give him a hundred pieces of copper daily ; yet he did not pay him , and finally he owed him seven million , two hundred thousand pieces of copper . then he mounted a black steer and rode to the west . he wanted to take his servant along . but when they reached the han - gu pass , the servant refused to go further , and insisted on being paid . yet laotsze gave him nothing .

why did the servant refused to go further ?

he insisted on being paid .

local

causal relationship

explicit

laotsze

he acquired all sorts of magic powers by means of which he extended his life - span . once he hired a servant to do his bidding . he agreed to give him a hundred pieces of copper daily ; yet he did not pay him , and finally he owed him seven million , two hundred thousand pieces of copper . then he mounted a black steer and rode to the west . he wanted to take his servant along . but when they reached the han - gu pass , the servant refused to go further , and insisted on being paid . yet laotsze gave him nothing .

what did laotsze do when his servant insisted on being paid ?

gave him nothing .

local

action

explicit

laotsze

he acquired all sorts of magic powers by means of which he extended his life - span . once he hired a servant to do his bidding . he agreed to give him a hundred pieces of copper daily ; yet he did not pay him , and finally he owed him seven million , two hundred thousand pieces of copper . then he mounted a black steer and rode to the west . he wanted to take his servant along . but when they reached the han - gu pass , the servant refused to go further , and insisted on being paid . yet laotsze gave him nothing .

where did laotsze plan to go ?

to the west .

local

setting

explicit

laotsze

when they came to the house of the guardian of the pass , red clouds appeared in the sky . the guardian understood this sign and knew that a holy man was drawing near . so he went out to meet him and took him into his house . he questioned him with regard to hidden knowledge , but laotsze only stuck out his tongue at him and would not say a word . nevertheless , the guardian of the pass treated him with the greatest respect in his home . laotsze 's servant told the servant of the guardian that his master owed him a great deal of money , and begged the latter to put in a good word for him .

what did laotsze do when the guardian questioned him with regard to hidden knowledge ?

only stuck out his tongue at him and would not say a word .

local

action

explicit

laotsze

when they came to the house of the guardian of the pass , red clouds appeared in the sky . the guardian understood this sign and knew that a holy man was drawing near . so he went out to meet him and took him into his house . he questioned him with regard to hidden knowledge , but laotsze only stuck out his tongue at him and would not say a word . nevertheless , the guardian of the pass treated him with the greatest respect in his home . laotsze 's servant told the servant of the guardian that his master owed him a great deal of money , and begged the latter to put in a good word for him .

what did laotsze's servant do when they reached the guardian's house ?

told the servant of the guardian that his master owed him a great deal of money , and begged the latter to put in a good word for him .

local

action

explicit

laotsze

when they came to the house of the guardian of the pass , red clouds appeared in the sky . the guardian understood this sign and knew that a holy man was drawing near . so he went out to meet him and took him into his house . he questioned him with regard to hidden knowledge , but laotsze only stuck out his tongue at him and would not say a word . nevertheless , the guardian of the pass treated him with the greatest respect in his home . laotsze 's servant told the servant of the guardian that his master owed him a great deal of money , and begged the latter to put in a good word for him . when the guardian 's servant heard how large a sum it was , he was tempted to win so wealthy a man for a son - in - law , and he married him to his daughter . finally the guardian heard of the matter and came to laotsze together with the servant . then laotsze said to his servant : " you rascally servant . you really should have been dead long ago . i hired you , and since i was poor and could give you no money , i gave you a life - giving talisman to eat . that is how you still happen to be alive . i said to you : ' if you will follow me into the west , the land of blessed repose , i will pay you your wages in yellow gold . but you did not wish to do this . ' " and with that he patted his servant 's neck . there upon the latter opened his mouth , and spat out the life - giving talisman . the magic signs written on it with cinnabar , quite fresh and well - preserved , might still be seen . but the servant suddenly collapsed and turned into a heap of dry bones .

what will laotsze do when he finds out about his servant's actions ?

laotsze will take away the life - giving talisman .

summary

prediction

implicit

laotsze

when the guardian 's servant heard how large a sum it was , he was tempted to win so wealthy a man for a son - in - law , and he married him to his daughter . finally the guardian heard of the matter and came to laotsze together with the servant . then laotsze said to his servant : " you rascally servant . you really should have been dead long ago . i hired you , and since i was poor and could give you no money , i gave you a life - giving talisman to eat . that is how you still happen to be alive . i said to you : ' if you will follow me into the west , the land of blessed repose , i will pay you your wages in yellow gold . but you did not wish to do this . ' " and with that he patted his servant 's neck . there upon the latter opened his mouth , and spat out the life - giving talisman . the magic signs written on it with cinnabar , quite fresh and well - preserved , might still be seen . but the servant suddenly collapsed and turned into a heap of dry bones .

what did laotsze give the servant instead of money ?

gave him a life - giving talisman to eat .

local

action

explicit

laotsze

when the guardian 's servant heard how large a sum it was , he was tempted to win so wealthy a man for a son - in - law , and he married him to his daughter . finally the guardian heard of the matter and came to laotsze together with the servant . then laotsze said to his servant : " you rascally servant . you really should have been dead long ago . i hired you , and since i was poor and could give you no money , i gave you a life - giving talisman to eat . that is how you still happen to be alive . i said to you : ' if you will follow me into the west , the land of blessed repose , i will pay you your wages in yellow gold . but you did not wish to do this . ' " and with that he patted his servant 's neck . there upon the latter opened his mouth , and spat out the life - giving talisman . the magic signs written on it with cinnabar , quite fresh and well - preserved , might still be seen . but the servant suddenly collapsed and turned into a heap of dry bones .

why did the servant suddenly collapse and turn into a heap of bones ?

laotsze took away the life - giving talisman .

local

causal relationship

implicit

laotsze

when the guardian 's servant heard how large a sum it was , he was tempted to win so wealthy a man for a son - in - law , and he married him to his daughter . finally the guardian heard of the matter and came to laotsze together with the servant . then laotsze said to his servant : " you rascally servant . you really should have been dead long ago . i hired you , and since i was poor and could give you no money , i gave you a life - giving talisman to eat . that is how you still happen to be alive . i said to you : ' if you will follow me into the west , the land of blessed repose , i will pay you your wages in yellow gold . but you did not wish to do this . ' " and with that he patted his servant 's neck . there upon the latter opened his mouth , and spat out the life - giving talisman . the magic signs written on it with cinnabar , quite fresh and well - preserved , might still be seen . but the servant suddenly collapsed and turned into a heap of dry bones . then the guardian of the pass cast himself to earth and pleaded for him . he promised to pay the servant for laotsze and begged the latter to restore him to life . so laotsze placed the talisman among the bones and at once the servant came to life again . the guardian of the pass paid him his wages and dismissed him . then he adored laotsze as his master , and the latter taught him the art of eternal life , and left him his teachings , in five thousand words , which the guardian wrote down . the book which thus came into being is the tao teh king , " the book of the way and life . " laotsze then disappeared from the eyes of men . the guardian of the pass however , followed his teachings , and was given a place among the immortals .

what will the guardian do when he sees the servant collapse ?

cast himself to earth and pleaded for him .

summary

prediction

explicit

laotsze

then the guardian of the pass cast himself to earth and pleaded for him . he promised to pay the servant for laotsze and begged the latter to restore him to life . so laotsze placed the talisman among the bones and at once the servant came to life again . the guardian of the pass paid him his wages and dismissed him . then he adored laotsze as his master , and the latter taught him the art of eternal life , and left him his teachings , in five thousand words , which the guardian wrote down . the book which thus came into being is the tao teh king , " the book of the way and life . " laotsze then disappeared from the eyes of men . the guardian of the pass however , followed his teachings , and was given a place among the immortals .

why did the guardian adore laotsze as his master ?

laotsze taught him the art of eternal life , and left him his teachings .

local

causal relationship

explicit

laotsze

when they came to the house of the guardian of the pass , red clouds appeared in the sky . the guardian understood this sign and knew that a holy man was drawing near . so he went out to meet him and took him into his house . he questioned him with regard to hidden knowledge , but laotsze only stuck out his tongue at him and would not say a word . nevertheless , the guardian of the pass treated him with the greatest respect in his home . laotsze 's servant told the servant of the guardian that his master owed him a great deal of money , and begged the latter to put in a good word for him . then the guardian of the pass cast himself to earth and pleaded for him . he promised to pay the servant for laotsze and begged the latter to restore him to life . so laotsze placed the talisman among the bones and at once the servant came to life again . the guardian of the pass paid him his wages and dismissed him . then he adored laotsze as his master , and the latter taught him the art of eternal life , and left him his teachings , in five thousand words , which the guardian wrote down . the book which thus came into being is the tao teh king , " the book of the way and life . " laotsze then disappeared from the eyes of men . the guardian of the pass however , followed his teachings , and was given a place among the immortals .

what will happen to the guardian after he meets laotsze ?

follow his teachings , and will be given a place among the immortals .

summary

prediction

explicit

goblin-huckster

there was once a regular student , who lived in a garret and had no possessions . and there was also a regular huckster , to whom the house belonged , and who occupied the ground floor . a goblin lived with the huckster because at christmas he always had a large dishful of jam , with a great piece of butter in the middle . the huckster could afford this , and therefore the goblin remained with him -- which was very shrewd of the goblin .

how many posessions did the student have ?

none .

local

character

explicit

goblin-huckster

there was once a regular student , who lived in a garret and had no possessions . and there was also a regular huckster , to whom the house belonged , and who occupied the ground floor . a goblin lived with the huckster because at christmas he always had a large dishful of jam , with a great piece of butter in the middle . the huckster could afford this , and therefore the goblin remained with him -- which was very shrewd of the goblin .

who lived with the huckster ?

a goblin .

local

character

explicit

goblin-huckster

there was once a regular student , who lived in a garret and had no possessions . and there was also a regular huckster , to whom the house belonged , and who occupied the ground floor . a goblin lived with the huckster because at christmas he always had a large dishful of jam , with a great piece of butter in the middle . the huckster could afford this , and therefore the goblin remained with him -- which was very shrewd of the goblin .

why did the goblin live with the huckster ?

the huckster had jam at christmas .

local

causal relationship

implicit

goblin-huckster

one evening the student came into the shop through the back door to buy candles and cheese for himself ; he had no one to send , and therefore he came himself . he obtained what he wished , and then the huckster and his wife nodded good evening to him . the huckster 's wife was a woman who could do more than merely nod , for she usually had plenty to say for herself . the student nodded also , as he turned to leave , then suddenly stopped and began reading the piece of paper in which the cheese was wrapped . it was a leaf torn out of an old book ; a book that ought not to have been torn up , for it was full of poetry .

what did the student buy ?

candles and cheese .

local

action

explicit

goblin-huckster

one evening the student came into the shop through the back door to buy candles and cheese for himself ; he had no one to send , and therefore he came himself . he obtained what he wished , and then the huckster and his wife nodded good evening to him . the huckster 's wife was a woman who could do more than merely nod , for she usually had plenty to say for herself . the student nodded also , as he turned to leave , then suddenly stopped and began reading the piece of paper in which the cheese was wrapped . it was a leaf torn out of an old book ; a book that ought not to have been torn up , for it was full of poetry .

does the huckster's wife usually talk a lot or a little ?

a lot .

local

character

implicit

goblin-huckster

one evening the student came into the shop through the back door to buy candles and cheese for himself ; he had no one to send , and therefore he came himself . he obtained what he wished , and then the huckster and his wife nodded good evening to him . the huckster 's wife was a woman who could do more than merely nod , for she usually had plenty to say for herself . the student nodded also , as he turned to leave , then suddenly stopped and began reading the piece of paper in which the cheese was wrapped . it was a leaf torn out of an old book ; a book that ought not to have been torn up , for it was full of poetry .

why shouldn't the page have been torn from the book ?

it was full of poetry .

local

causal relationship

explicit

goblin-huckster

" yonder lies some more of the same sort , " said the huckster . " i gave an old woman a few coffee berries for it ; you shall have the rest for sixpence if you will . " " indeed i will , " said the student . " give me the book instead of the cheese ; i can eat my bread and butter without cheese . it would be a sin to tear up a book like this . you are a clever man and a practical man , but you understand no more about poetry than that cask yonder . "

what does the boy take instead of the cheese ?

the book of poetry .

local

action

explicit

goblin-huckster

this was a very rude speech , especially against the cask , but the huckster and the student both laughed , for it was only said in fun . the goblin , however , felt very angry that any man should venture to say such things to a huckster who was a householder and sold the best butter . as soon as it was night , the shop closed , and every one in bed except the student , the goblin stepped softly into the bedroom where the huckster 's wife slept , and took away her tongue , which of course she did not then want . whatever object in the room he placed this tongue upon , immediately received voice and speech and was able to express its thoughts and feelings as readily as the lady herself could do . it could only be used by one object at a time , which was a good thing , as a number speaking at once would have caused great confusion . the goblin laid the tongue upon the cask , in which lay a quantity of old newspapers .

how did the goblin feel about what the student told the huckster ?

very angry .

local

feeling

explicit

goblin-huckster

this was a very rude speech , especially against the cask , but the huckster and the student both laughed , for it was only said in fun . the goblin , however , felt very angry that any man should venture to say such things to a huckster who was a householder and sold the best butter . as soon as it was night , the shop closed , and every one in bed except the student , the goblin stepped softly into the bedroom where the huckster 's wife slept , and took away her tongue , which of course she did not then want . whatever object in the room he placed this tongue upon , immediately received voice and speech and was able to express its thoughts and feelings as readily as the lady herself could do . it could only be used by one object at a time , which was a good thing , as a number speaking at once would have caused great confusion . the goblin laid the tongue upon the cask , in which lay a quantity of old newspapers .

what happened to objects when the tongue is placed upon them ?

they begin to talk .

local

outcome resolution

implicit

goblin-huckster

this was a very rude speech , especially against the cask , but the huckster and the student both laughed , for it was only said in fun . the goblin , however , felt very angry that any man should venture to say such things to a huckster who was a householder and sold the best butter . as soon as it was night , the shop closed , and every one in bed except the student , the goblin stepped softly into the bedroom where the huckster 's wife slept , and took away her tongue , which of course she did not then want . whatever object in the room he placed this tongue upon , immediately received voice and speech and was able to express its thoughts and feelings as readily as the lady herself could do . it could only be used by one object at a time , which was a good thing , as a number speaking at once would have caused great confusion . the goblin laid the tongue upon the cask , in which lay a quantity of old newspapers .

where did the goblin place the tongue first ?

on the cask .

local

action

explicit

goblin-huckster

" is it really true , " he asked , " that you do not know what poetry is ? " " of course i know , " replied the cask . " poetry is something that always stands in the corner of a newspaper and is sometimes cut out . and i may venture to affirm that i have more of it in me than the student has , even if i am only a poor tub of the huckster 's . " then the goblin placed the tongue on the coffee mill , and how it did go , to be sure ! then he put it on the butter - tub , and the cash - box , and they all expressed the same opinion as the waste - paper tub . a majority must always be respected . " now i shall go and tell the student , " said the goblin .

where else did the goblin place the tongue ?

on the cash - box .

local

action

implicit

goblin-huckster

with these words he went quietly up the back stairs to the garret , where the student lived . the student 's candle was burning still , and the goblin peeped through the keyhole and saw that he was reading in the torn book which he had bought out of the shop . but how light the room was ! from the book shot forth a ray of light which grew broad and full like the stem of a tree , from which bright rays spread upward and over the student 's head . each leaf was fresh , and each flower was like a beautiful female head -- some with dark and sparkling eyes and others with eyes that were wonderfully blue and clear . the fruit gleamed like stars , and the room was filled with sounds of beautiful music . the little goblin had never imagined , much less seen or heard of , any sight so glorious as this . he stood still on tiptoe , peeping in , till the light went out . the student no doubt had blown out his candle and gone to bed , but the little goblin remained standing there , listening to the music which still sounded , soft and beautiful -- a sweet cradle song for the student who had lain down to rest .

what was the boy doing in his room ?

reading in the torn book .

local

action

explicit

goblin-huckster

with these words he went quietly up the back stairs to the garret , where the student lived . the student 's candle was burning still , and the goblin peeped through the keyhole and saw that he was reading in the torn book which he had bought out of the shop . but how light the room was ! from the book shot forth a ray of light which grew broad and full like the stem of a tree , from which bright rays spread upward and over the student 's head . each leaf was fresh , and each flower was like a beautiful female head -- some with dark and sparkling eyes and others with eyes that were wonderfully blue and clear . the fruit gleamed like stars , and the room was filled with sounds of beautiful music . the little goblin had never imagined , much less seen or heard of , any sight so glorious as this . he stood still on tiptoe , peeping in , till the light went out . the student no doubt had blown out his candle and gone to bed , but the little goblin remained standing there , listening to the music which still sounded , soft and beautiful -- a sweet cradle song for the student who had lain down to rest .

why did the goblin stay standing there ?

because he thought the room looked beautiful .

local

causal relationship

implicit

goblin-huckster

" this is a wonderful place , " said the goblin ; " i never expected such a thing . i should like to stay here with the student . " then the little man thought it over , for he was a sensible sprite . at last he sighed , " but the student has no jam ! " so he went downstairs again to the huckster 's shop , and it was a good thing he got back when he did , for the cask had almost worn out the lady 's tongue . he had given a description of all that he contained on one side , and was just about to turn himself over to the other side to describe what was there , when the goblin entered and restored the tongue to the lady . from that time forward , the whole shop , from the cash - box down to the pine - wood logs , formed their opinions from that of the cask . they all had such confidence in him and treated him with so much respect that when , in the evening , the huckster read the criticisms on theatricals and art , they fancied it must all come from the cask .

who did the goblin leave the tongue on when he went to the student's room ?

the cask .

local

character

explicit

goblin-huckster

" this is a wonderful place , " said the goblin ; " i never expected such a thing . i should like to stay here with the student . " then the little man thought it over , for he was a sensible sprite . at last he sighed , " but the student has no jam ! " so he went downstairs again to the huckster 's shop , and it was a good thing he got back when he did , for the cask had almost worn out the lady 's tongue . he had given a description of all that he contained on one side , and was just about to turn himself over to the other side to describe what was there , when the goblin entered and restored the tongue to the lady . from that time forward , the whole shop , from the cash - box down to the pine - wood logs , formed their opinions from that of the cask . they all had such confidence in him and treated him with so much respect that when , in the evening , the huckster read the criticisms on theatricals and art , they fancied it must all come from the cask .

why does the whole shop respect the cask now ?

because they all heard how smart he was .

local

causal relationship

implicit

goblin-huckster

after what he had seen , the goblin could no longer sit and listen quietly to the wisdom and understanding downstairs . as soon as the evening light glimmered in the garret , he took courage , for it seemed to him that the rays of light were strong cables , drawing him up and obliging him to go and peep through the keyhole . while there , a feeling of vastness came over him , such as we experience by the ever - moving sea when the storm breaks forth , and it brought tears into his eyes . he did not himself know why he wept , yet a kind of pleasant feeling mingled with his tears . " how wonderfully glorious it would be to sit with the student under such a tree ! " but that was out of the question ; he must be content to look through the keyhole and be thankful for even that .

how did the goblin feel when looking at the student's light room ?

amazed .

local

feeling

implicit

goblin-huckster

there he stood on the cold landing , with the autumn wind blowing down upon him through the trapdoor . it was very cold , but the little creature did not really feel it till the light in the garret went out and the tones of music died away . then how he shivered and crept downstairs again to his warm corner , where he felt at home and comfortable ! and when christmas came again and brought the dish of jam and the great lump of butter , he liked the huckster best of all .

why did the goblin go back down to his warm corner ?

because he was cold .

local

causal relationship

implicit

goblin-huckster

there he stood on the cold landing , with the autumn wind blowing down upon him through the trapdoor . it was very cold , but the little creature did not really feel it till the light in the garret went out and the tones of music died away . then how he shivered and crept downstairs again to his warm corner , where he felt at home and comfortable ! and when christmas came again and brought the dish of jam and the great lump of butter , he liked the huckster best of all .

what did christmas time bring ?

jam and butter .

local

outcome resolution

explicit

goblin-huckster

soon after , the goblin was waked in the middle of the night by a terrible noise and knocking against the window shutters and the house doors and by the sound of the watchman 's horn . a great fire had broken out , and the whole street seemed full of flames . was it in their house or a neighbor 's ? no one could tell , for terror had seized upon all . the huckster 's wife was so bewildered that she took her gold earrings out of her ears and put them in her pocket , that she might save something at least . the huckster ran to get his business papers , and the servant resolved to save her black silk mantle , which she had managed to buy . all wished to keep the best things they had . the goblin had the same wish , for with one spring he was upstairs in the student 's room . he found him standing by the open window and looking quite calmly at the fire , which was raging in the house of a neighbor opposite .

why did the goblin wake up ?

a terrible noise and knocking on the window .

local

causal relationship

implicit

goblin-huckster

soon after , the goblin was waked in the middle of the night by a terrible noise and knocking against the window shutters and the house doors and by the sound of the watchman 's horn . a great fire had broken out , and the whole street seemed full of flames . was it in their house or a neighbor 's ? no one could tell , for terror had seized upon all . the huckster 's wife was so bewildered that she took her gold earrings out of her ears and put them in her pocket , that she might save something at least . the huckster ran to get his business papers , and the servant resolved to save her black silk mantle , which she had managed to buy . all wished to keep the best things they had . the goblin had the same wish , for with one spring he was upstairs in the student 's room . he found him standing by the open window and looking quite calmly at the fire , which was raging in the house of a neighbor opposite .

where was the fire ?

on the whole street .

local

setting

explicit

goblin-huckster

soon after , the goblin was waked in the middle of the night by a terrible noise and knocking against the window shutters and the house doors and by the sound of the watchman 's horn . a great fire had broken out , and the whole street seemed full of flames . was it in their house or a neighbor 's ? no one could tell , for terror had seized upon all . the huckster 's wife was so bewildered that she took her gold earrings out of her ears and put them in her pocket , that she might save something at least . the huckster ran to get his business papers , and the servant resolved to save her black silk mantle , which she had managed to buy . all wished to keep the best things they had . the goblin had the same wish , for with one spring he was upstairs in the student 's room . he found him standing by the open window and looking quite calmly at the fire , which was raging in the house of a neighbor opposite .

how did the student feel looking at the fire ?

calm .

local

feeling

explicit

goblin-huckster

the goblin caught up the wonderful book , which lay on the table , and popped it into his red cap , which he held tightly with both hands . the greatest treasure in the house was saved , and he ran away with it to the roof and seated himself on the chimney . the flames of the burning house opposite illuminated him as he sat with both hands pressed tightly over his cap , in which the treasure lay . it was then that he understood what feelings were really strongest in his heart and knew exactly which way they tended . yet , when the fire was extinguished and the goblin again began to reflect , he hesitated , and said at last , " i must divide myself between the two ; i can not quite give up the huckster , because of the jam . " this is a representation of human nature . we are like the goblin ; we all go to visit the huckster , " because of the jam . "

what did the goblin take with him ?

the wonderful book .

local

action

explicit

goblin-huckster

with these words he went quietly up the back stairs to the garret , where the student lived . the student 's candle was burning still , and the goblin peeped through the keyhole and saw that he was reading in the torn book which he had bought out of the shop . but how light the room was ! from the book shot forth a ray of light which grew broad and full like the stem of a tree , from which bright rays spread upward and over the student 's head . each leaf was fresh , and each flower was like a beautiful female head -- some with dark and sparkling eyes and others with eyes that were wonderfully blue and clear . the fruit gleamed like stars , and the room was filled with sounds of beautiful music . the little goblin had never imagined , much less seen or heard of , any sight so glorious as this . he stood still on tiptoe , peeping in , till the light went out . the student no doubt had blown out his candle and gone to bed , but the little goblin remained standing there , listening to the music which still sounded , soft and beautiful -- a sweet cradle song for the student who had lain down to rest . after what he had seen , the goblin could no longer sit and listen quietly to the wisdom and understanding downstairs . as soon as the evening light glimmered in the garret , he took courage , for it seemed to him that the rays of light were strong cables , drawing him up and obliging him to go and peep through the keyhole . while there , a feeling of vastness came over him , such as we experience by the ever - moving sea when the storm breaks forth , and it brought tears into his eyes . he did not himself know why he wept , yet a kind of pleasant feeling mingled with his tears . " how wonderfully glorious it would be to sit with the student under such a tree ! " but that was out of the question ; he must be content to look through the keyhole and be thankful for even that . soon after , the goblin was waked in the middle of the night by a terrible noise and knocking against the window shutters and the house doors and by the sound of the watchman 's horn . a great fire had broken out , and the whole street seemed full of flames . was it in their house or a neighbor 's ? no one could tell , for terror had seized upon all . the huckster 's wife was so bewildered that she took her gold earrings out of her ears and put them in her pocket , that she might save something at least . the huckster ran to get his business papers , and the servant resolved to save her black silk mantle , which she had managed to buy . all wished to keep the best things they had . the goblin had the same wish , for with one spring he was upstairs in the student 's room . he found him standing by the open window and looking quite calmly at the fire , which was raging in the house of a neighbor opposite . the goblin caught up the wonderful book , which lay on the table , and popped it into his red cap , which he held tightly with both hands . the greatest treasure in the house was saved , and he ran away with it to the roof and seated himself on the chimney . the flames of the burning house opposite illuminated him as he sat with both hands pressed tightly over his cap , in which the treasure lay . it was then that he understood what feelings were really strongest in his heart and knew exactly which way they tended . yet , when the fire was extinguished and the goblin again began to reflect , he hesitated , and said at last , " i must divide myself between the two ; i can not quite give up the huckster , because of the jam . " this is a representation of human nature . we are like the goblin ; we all go to visit the huckster , " because of the jam . "

why did the goblin save the book ?

it made such a glorious tree of light .

summary

causal relationship

implicit

goblin-huckster

" this is a wonderful place , " said the goblin ; " i never expected such a thing . i should like to stay here with the student . " then the little man thought it over , for he was a sensible sprite . at last he sighed , " but the student has no jam ! " so he went downstairs again to the huckster 's shop , and it was a good thing he got back when he did , for the cask had almost worn out the lady 's tongue . he had given a description of all that he contained on one side , and was just about to turn himself over to the other side to describe what was there , when the goblin entered and restored the tongue to the lady . from that time forward , the whole shop , from the cash - box down to the pine - wood logs , formed their opinions from that of the cask . they all had such confidence in him and treated him with so much respect that when , in the evening , the huckster read the criticisms on theatricals and art , they fancied it must all come from the cask . the goblin caught up the wonderful book , which lay on the table , and popped it into his red cap , which he held tightly with both hands . the greatest treasure in the house was saved , and he ran away with it to the roof and seated himself on the chimney . the flames of the burning house opposite illuminated him as he sat with both hands pressed tightly over his cap , in which the treasure lay . it was then that he understood what feelings were really strongest in his heart and knew exactly which way they tended . yet , when the fire was extinguished and the goblin again began to reflect , he hesitated , and said at last , " i must divide myself between the two ; i can not quite give up the huckster , because of the jam . " this is a representation of human nature . we are like the goblin ; we all go to visit the huckster , " because of the jam . "

why did the goblin keep living with the huckster ?

because he had jam and butter .

summary

causal relationship

explicit

red-shoes

once upon a time there was little girl , pretty and dainty . but in summer time she was obliged to go barefooted because she was poor , and in winter she had to wear large wooden shoes , so that her little instep grew quite red . in the middle of the village lived an old shoemaker 's wife ; she sat down and made , as well as she could , a pair of little shoes out of some old pieces of red cloth . they were clumsy , but she meant well , for they were intended for the little girl , whose name was karen . karen received the shoes and wore them for the first time on the day of her mother 's funeral . they were certainly not suitable for mourning ; but she had no others , and so she put her bare feet into them and walked behind the humble coffin . just then a large old carriage came by , and in it sat an old lady ; she looked at the little girl , and taking pity on her , said to the clergyman , " look here , if you will give me the little girl , i will take care of her . "

what was the little girl like ?

pretty and dainty .

local

character

explicit

red-shoes

once upon a time there was little girl , pretty and dainty . but in summer time she was obliged to go barefooted because she was poor , and in winter she had to wear large wooden shoes , so that her little instep grew quite red . in the middle of the village lived an old shoemaker 's wife ; she sat down and made , as well as she could , a pair of little shoes out of some old pieces of red cloth . they were clumsy , but she meant well , for they were intended for the little girl , whose name was karen . karen received the shoes and wore them for the first time on the day of her mother 's funeral . they were certainly not suitable for mourning ; but she had no others , and so she put her bare feet into them and walked behind the humble coffin . just then a large old carriage came by , and in it sat an old lady ; she looked at the little girl , and taking pity on her , said to the clergyman , " look here , if you will give me the little girl , i will take care of her . "

what did the old shoemaker's wife make for the little girl ?

little shoes .

local

action

explicit

red-shoes

once upon a time there was little girl , pretty and dainty . but in summer time she was obliged to go barefooted because she was poor , and in winter she had to wear large wooden shoes , so that her little instep grew quite red . in the middle of the village lived an old shoemaker 's wife ; she sat down and made , as well as she could , a pair of little shoes out of some old pieces of red cloth . they were clumsy , but she meant well , for they were intended for the little girl , whose name was karen . karen received the shoes and wore them for the first time on the day of her mother 's funeral . they were certainly not suitable for mourning ; but she had no others , and so she put her bare feet into them and walked behind the humble coffin . just then a large old carriage came by , and in it sat an old lady ; she looked at the little girl , and taking pity on her , said to the clergyman , " look here , if you will give me the little girl , i will take care of her . "

who was in the carriage ?

an old lady .

local

character

explicit

red-shoes

karen believed that this was all on account of the red shoes , but the old lady thought them hideous , and so they were burnt . karen herself was dressed very neatly and cleanly ; she was taught to read and to sew , and people said that she was pretty . but the mirror told her , " you are more than pretty -- you are beautiful . " one day the queen was travelling through that part of the country , and had her little daughter , who was a princess , with her . all the people , amongst them karen too , streamed towards the castle , where the little princess , in fine white clothes , stood before the window and allowed herself to be stared at . she wore neither a train nor a golden crown , but beautiful red morocco shoes ; they were indeed much finer than those which the shoemaker 's wife had sewn for little karen . there is really nothing in the world that can be compared to red shoes !

why were the shoes burnt ?

because the old lady thought they were ugly .

local

causal relationship

implicit

red-shoes

karen believed that this was all on account of the red shoes , but the old lady thought them hideous , and so they were burnt . karen herself was dressed very neatly and cleanly ; she was taught to read and to sew , and people said that she was pretty . but the mirror told her , " you are more than pretty -- you are beautiful . " one day the queen was travelling through that part of the country , and had her little daughter , who was a princess , with her . all the people , amongst them karen too , streamed towards the castle , where the little princess , in fine white clothes , stood before the window and allowed herself to be stared at . she wore neither a train nor a golden crown , but beautiful red morocco shoes ; they were indeed much finer than those which the shoemaker 's wife had sewn for little karen . there is really nothing in the world that can be compared to red shoes !

who was travelling through that part of the country ?

the queen .

local

character

explicit

red-shoes

karen was now old enough to be confirmed ; she received some new clothes , and she was also to have some new shoes . the rich shoemaker in the town took the measure of her little foot in his own room , in which there stood great glass cases full of pretty shoes and white slippers . it all looked very lovely , but the old lady could not see very well , and therefore did not get much pleasure out of it . amongst the shoes stood a pair of red ones , like those which the princess had worn . how beautiful they were ! and the shoemaker said that they had been made for a count 's daughter , but that they had not fitted her . " i suppose they are of shiny leather ? " asked the old lady . " they shine so . " " yes , they do shine , " said karen . they fitted her , and were bought . but the old lady knew nothing of their being red , for she would never have allowed karen to be confirmed in red shoes , as she was now to be .

why didn't the old lady know the shoes were red ?

because she could not see very well .

local

causal relationship

explicit

red-shoes

karen was now old enough to be confirmed ; she received some new clothes , and she was also to have some new shoes . the rich shoemaker in the town took the measure of her little foot in his own room , in which there stood great glass cases full of pretty shoes and white slippers . it all looked very lovely , but the old lady could not see very well , and therefore did not get much pleasure out of it . amongst the shoes stood a pair of red ones , like those which the princess had worn . how beautiful they were ! and the shoemaker said that they had been made for a count 's daughter , but that they had not fitted her . " i suppose they are of shiny leather ? " asked the old lady . " they shine so . " " yes , they do shine , " said karen . they fitted her , and were bought . but the old lady knew nothing of their being red , for she would never have allowed karen to be confirmed in red shoes , as she was now to be .

what color were the shoes karen picked out ?

red .

local

action

explicit

red-shoes

everybody looked at her feet , and the whole of the way from the church door to the choir it seemed to her as if even the ancient figures on the monuments , in their stiff collars and long black robes , had their eyes fixed on her red shoes . it was only of these that she thought when the clergyman laid his hand upon her head and spoke of the holy baptism , of the covenant with god , and told her that she was now to be a grown - up christian . the organ pealed forth solemnly , and the sweet children 's voices mingled with that of their old leader ; but karen thought only of her red shoes . in the afternoon the old lady heard from everybody that karen had worn red shoes . she said that it was a shocking thing to do , that it was very improper , and that karen was always to go to church in future in black shoes , even if they were old .

where did karen wear the shoes ?

in the church .

local

setting

explicit