and got the leg of a chair and struck out into the midst of them with it. but nine devils against one soldier were still too many, and when he struck those in front of him, the others seized him behind by the hair, and tore it unmercifully. "devils’ crew," cried he, "it is getting too bad, but wait. into my knapsack, all nine of you!" in an instant they were in it, and then he buckled it up and threw it into a corner. after this all was suddenly quiet, and brother lustig lay down again, and slept till it was bright day. then came the inn-keeper, and the nobleman to whom the castle belonged, to see how he had fared; but when they perceived that he was merry and well they were astonished, and asked, "have the spirits done you no harm, then?" "the reason why they have not," answered brother lustig, "is because i have got the whole nine of them in my knapsack! you may once more inhabit your castle quite tranquilly, none of them will ever haunt it again." the nobleman thanked him, made him rich presents, and begged him to remain in his service, and he would provide for him as long as he lived. "no,"