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Grade 3, Northwest Elementary School, Lebanon, Pennsylvania

One year Old Gooseberry and Eileschipiggel made a pact to farm on shares. For the first year, Old Gooseberry claimed, "My share will be that part of the crop that grows above the ground, and you, Eileschipiggel, can have the part of the crop that grows under the ground. Eileschipiggel thought for a minute, and agreed. That year, he planted turnips. Eileschipiggel worked hard all during the planting season to ensure that he would have a good crop, but Old Gooseberry did nothing.

When it came time to harvest the crops, Old Gooseberry appeared. He said, "I've come to claim my share."

Eileschipiggel smiled and said, "Fine. As I recall, I am to have the roots, while you, Old Gooseberry, get the leaves."

The second year, before planting began, Old gooseberry came again and demanded, "This year, I want whatever grows under the ground as my share, and you can have whatever grows above the ground."

Eileschipiggel thought for a while, then agreed. That year, he planted wheat. He worked hard all during the planting and growing season, but Old gooseberry was nowhere to be seen. When harvest time arrived, so did Old Gooseberry. He declared, "I've come for my shares. Remember, my share is whatever grows underground."

When they divided the crops, Old Gooseberry got the roots and Eileschipiggel got the grain.

The third year. Old Gooseberry appeared again, hoping to outdo Eileschipiggel. He claimed, "This year, I will have the rights to both the tops and roots of the crop. You, Eileschipiggel, can have whatever is in the middle."

Eileschipiggel gave much thought to exactly what he would plant that year. Finally, he agreed to Old Gooseberry's condition. And, once more, Eileschipiggel worked very hard during the planting and growing season, so that he would have a good crop when harvest time came. Finally, Old Gooseberry joyously appeared to make his claim.

Eileschipiggel said, "Let's see, you claimed the rights to both the tops and the roots, while I get the middle. Because I planted corn this year, that leaves you with the tassels and the roots, while I keep the corn itself!"

Eileschipiggel had tricked him again! Old Gooseberry became so enrages that he quickly disappeared and didn't bother farmer Eileschipiggel for a very long time.