` Perhaps I was hasty , but it is easily set right , ' replied the shoemaker , taking down his guitar and beginning to play . Hardly had he struck the first notes than his wife sat up ; then got on her feet and danced . The robbers stared with open mouths , and at last they said , ` Master Joseph , you may keep the fifty gold pieces . But tell us what you will take for your guitar , for you must sell it to us ? ' ` Oh , that is impossible ! ' replied the shoemaker , ` for every time I have a quarrel with my wife I just strike her dead , and so give vent to my anger . This has become such a habit with me that I do n't think I could break myself of it ; and , of course , if I got rid of the guitar I could never bring her back to life again . ' However , the robbers would not listen to him , and at last he consented to take forty gold pieces for the guitar . Then they all returned to their cave in the forest , delighted with their new purchase , and longing for a chance of trying its powers . But the captain declared that the first trial belonged to him , and after that the others might have their turn . That evening he called to his wife and said , ` What have you got for supper ? ' ` Macaroni , ' answered she . ` Why have you not boiled a fish ? ' he cried , and stabber in the neck so that she fell dead . The captain , who was not in the least angry , seized the guitar and began to play ; but , let him play as loud as he would , the dead woman never stirred . ` Oh , lying shoemaker ! Oh , abominable knave ! Twice has he got the better of me . But I will pay him out ! ' So he raged and swore , but it did him no good .
The fact remained XXXXX he had killed his wife and could not bring her back again .
as at for if of on than that to with