The Elves and the Shoemaker

A poor shoemaker has only enough leather left to make one last pair of shoes. He cuts out the pieces and leaves them on his workbench ready to sew in the morning. But the next day the shoes are already made up-finished with tiny neat stitches. Who could have done it? Soon a delighted customer buys the beautiful shoes, and pays more than the normal price. That night the shoemaker puts out more leather that he has been able to buy, and again, the same wonderful thing happens. Soon he has lots of customers – even the king! – and he can buy food and clothes. Finally the shoemaker discovers it’s the work of two industrious elves, and he and his wife make them shoes and outfits of their own to bring a happy ending to all!