At last the treasury was quite exhausted , and the king had to send his courtiers to his subjects to collect all the gold and silver they possessed . But nothing was of any avail , and Strong-Back only asked for more . When the king 's counsellors saw the unexpected result of their advice , they said it would be more than foolish to let some strolling thieves take so much treasure out of the country , and urged the king to send a troop of soldiers after them , to recover the gold and precious stones . So the king sent a body of armed men on foot and horse , to take back the treasure Strong-Back was carrying away with him . But Hare 's - ear , who had heard what the counsellors had advised the king , told his companions just as the dust of their pursuers was visible on the horizon . No sooner had Blow-Blast taken in their danger than he raised such a mighty wind that all the king 's army was blown down like so many nine-pins , and as they were quite unable to get up again , Moscione and his companions proceeded on their way without further let or hindrance . As soon as they reached his home , Moscione divided his spoil with his companions , at which they were much delighted . He , himself , stayed with his father , who was obliged at last to acknowledge that his son was not quite such a fool as he looked . -LSB- From the Italian , Kletke . -RSB- THE STREET MUSICIANS A man once possessed a donkey which had served him faithfully for many years , but at last the poor beast grew old and feeble , and every day his work became more of a burden . As he was no longer of any use , his master made up his mind to shoot him ; but when the donkey learnt the fate that was in store for him , he determined not to die , but to run away to the nearest town and there to become a street musician . When he had trotted along for some distance he came upon a greyhound lying on the road , and panting for dear life . ` Well , brother , ' said the donkey , ` what 's the matter with you ? You look rather tired . ' ` So I am , ' replied the dog , ` but because I am getting old and am growing weaker every day , and can not go out hunting any longer , my master wanted to poison me ; and , as life is still sweet , I have taken leave of him . But how I am to earn my own livelihood I have n't a notion . ' ` Well , ' said the donkey , ' I am on my way to the nearest big town , where I mean to become a street musician . Why do n't you take up music as a profession and come along with me ? I 'll play the flute and you can play the kettle-drum . ' The greyhound was quite pleased at the idea , and the two set off together .
When they had gone a short distance they met a cat XXXXX a face as long as three rainy days .
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