“Go to the town,” replied the stranger, “and, in the square, you will see a stone house with shopwindows in the front. At the entrance you will find the tradesman to whom it belongs. Ask him to let his daughter stand godmother to your child.”

The peasant hesitated.

“How can I ask a rich tradesman?” said he. “He will despise me, and will not let his daughter come.”

“Don’t trouble about that. Go and ask. Get everything ready by tomorrow morning, and I will come to the christening.”

The poor peasant returned home, and then drove to the town to find the tradesman. He had hardly taken his horse into the yard, when the tradesman himself came out.

“What do you want?” said he.