A wealthy squire called his cook and instructed him, "I am going hunting. Have my dinner ready when I return."

The cook set about making a flavorful soup, and soon a wonderful aroma filled the air. The cook was sure the soup would please his master.

Suddenly a tiny elf stood on the hearth. The little man said, "Your pot of food smells delicious, and I am very hungry. Please give me something to eat."

The cook kindly answered, "There is plenty to spare, and I will happily give you some." He filled a ladle and offered the soup to the elf. The wee man reached for the ladle gratefully; but with his first bite, the pot of soup was empty, and the elf had vanished.

The cook was beside himself. What would he feed his master? As he wrung his hands in dismay, his master returned from hunting. The cook told his master what had happened and begged for his master's forgiveness.

The squire forgave the cook and instructed him to make another meal, admonishing him not to feed the elf if he appeared again.

Soon the cook had another stew bubbling on the fire, and once again the little elf stood before him begging for more. "I cannot give you any," said the cook sadly. "My master has forbidden me to help you."

However, the little man looked so sad and hungry that the cook relented and offered the tiny man one small ladle of soup. Once again, all the stew disappeared, leaving an empty pot; and the elf vanished.

This time the squire was angry. "Be gone if you won't obey me! My gamekeeper will cook my meal."

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So the gamekeeper prepared a meal, but once again, the elf appeared and asked for soup. The gamekeeper angrily refused and threw a spoon at the little man to drive him away. The squire was able to eat with no further interruptions.

Meanwhile, the kindly cook prepared to leave. He was hungry and broken-hearted, but before he could go, the elf appeared once more.