The Devil as Employer in Tiegem

A man living with his parents was frustrated at not finding work. «If it were not so dangerous, I would go work for the devil!» he said. At midnight he met a gentleman who hired him. The man had to place his foot on the gentleman’s foot and was instantly transported to his destination. He only had to open the door for people who came in. Strangely, no one ever came back out.

After three months the man was allowed to go home. He gave his wages to his mother, who put the money in a drawer. To her horror, her son’s money burst into flames. «This is no good!» she cried. «You are working for the devil!» On his mother’s advice, the man went to the priest at midnight.

In the confessional the young man told everything. At midnight the gentleman entered the church and said: «Boy, you must come back to work!» The priest spoke to the gentleman himself: «Give back everything this young man has given you. You will also get back what you gave him.» When the priest threw holy water, the gentleman suddenly vanished.