In which there are several useful lessons to learn in this small story

Do you have a problem with vermin stealing your corn?  Are you sure it's vermin stealing your corn? Maybe it's something...else.  

The Corn Thieves (Germany)

‘Tis not very long since there were dwarves who used to go into the fields and steal the sheaves of corn.  This there were able to do easily by means of a hat they wore, which made them invisible.

One farmer who was well-annoyed by these dwarves put a rope around his corn field, and when they went under it, their hats were knocked off. 

Being now visible, they were easily caught, but gave him many fair words, promising to give him a wagon-load of money if he would come for it before sunrise. 

A wise friend of the farmer advised him not to go at sunrise, but rather a little before twelve at night, as that was the hour that magic folk consider the beginning of the day.

When he arrived with his wagon at the dwarves’ hole, he heard them singing within

It is good that the bumpkin doesn’t know

That up at twelve the sun will go!

When he asked them for payment, they showed him a dead cow and told him to take it as they had nothing else to give.  He was very angry, but as he wanted food for his dogs, he cut off a large piece and put it in the wagon. 

But when he came home, lo! It was all pure gold. 

He went back to the place in daylight, but both the hole and the cow were gone.

image by Lennert Helje