` What is the matter with the thing ? ' cried the father at last , snatching the basket from them , and turning it all over , grumbling and swearing while he did so , under the eyes of his astonished wife and children , who did not know whether to cry or to laugh . ` It certainly smells of fish , ' he said , and then he stopped , for a sudden thought had come to him . ` Suppose it is not mine at all ; supposing -- Ah , the scoundrels ! ' And without listening to his wife and children , who were frightened at his strange conduct and begged him to stay at home , he ran across to the tavern and burst open the door . ` Can I do anything for you , Father Grumbler ? ' asked the innkeeper 's wife in her softest voice . ' I have taken the wrong basket -- by mistake , of course , ' said he . ` Here is yours , will you give me back my own ? ' ` Why , what are you talking about ? ' answered she . ` You can see for yourself that there is no basket here . ' And though Father Grumbler DID look , it was quite true that none was to be seen . ` Come , take a glass to warm you this cold day , ' said the woman , who was anxious to keep him in a good temper , and as this was an invitation Father Grumbler never refused , he tossed it off and left the house . He took the road that led to the Holy Man 's cave , and made such haste that it was not long before he reached it . ` Who is there ? ' said a voice in answer to his knock . ` It is me , it is me , Holy man . You know quite well . Father Grumbler , who has as many children as sparrows in the garden . '
` But , my good XXXXX , it was only yesterday that I gave you a handsome present . '
children course eyes father fish garden laugh man thought voice