` Ah , how clever you are , ' answered the other two . ` Nobody else would have thought of that . ' So gaily the three husbands knocked down their three wives , who fell dead to the ground . Then one by one the men tried the whistle , and blew so loudly that it seemed as if their lungs would burst , but the women lay stark and stiff and never moved an eyelid . The husbands grew pale and cold , for they had never dreamed of this , nor meant any harm , and after a while they understood that their efforts were of no use , and that once more the boy had tricked them . With stern faces they rose to their feet , and taking a large sack they retraced their steps to the hut . This time there was no escape . Toueno had been asleep , and only opened his eyes as they entered . Without a word on either side they thrust him into the sack , and tying up the mouth , the eldest threw it over his shoulder . After that they all set out to the river , where they intended to drown the boy . But the river was a long way off , and the day was very hot , and Antoine was heavy , heavier than a whole sheaf of corn . They carried him in turns , but even so they grew very tired and thirsty , and when a little tavern came in sight on the roadside , they thankfully flung the sack down on a bench and entered to refresh themselves . They never noticed that a beggar was sitting in the shade at the end of the bench , but Toueno 's sharp ears caught the sound of someone eating , and as soon as the farmers had gone into the inn he began to groan softly . ` What is the matter ? ' asked the beggar , drawing a little nearer . ` Why have they shut you up , poor boy ? ' ` Because they wanted to make me a bishop , and I would not consent , ' answered Toueno . ` Dear me , ' exclaimed the beggar , ` yet it is n't such a bad thing to be a bishop . ' ' I do n't say it is , ' replied the young rascal , ` but I should never like it . However , if you have any fancy for wearing a mitre , you need only untie the sack , and take my place . ' '
I should like nothing better , ' said the man , XXXXX he stooped to undo the big knot .
With as in nearer off on over so than to