Three small children were gleaning wheat in the fields. As they worked and played, they wandered off into the
town. Walking about and exploring, the children forgot the time.
When it was late and the sun was going down, the children were hungry, tired and lost. They came to a lighted butcher’s shop, knocked and said, “We are lost and hungry. May we eat and sleep here?” “Oh, yes,” came the reply, “do come in.”
As they entered , the butcher took a sharp knife, cut them up, and put them in a large salting tub. Seven years pass.
There was a knock at the door and Bishop Saint Nicholas appeared, saying to the evil butcher, “Open your large salting tub!” The saint put his hand on the tub and, appealing to God, said, “Rise up, children.” The little children woke and stood up. Their families joyfully welcome them home.
Ever since St. Nicholas has been the patron and protector of children.