Der Puppenspieler [The Puppeteer]

Once upon a time, there was a puppeteer, who travelled the country with moderate success. He was only just able to stay afloat until he met a talking wooden doll. He was able to persuade her to perform with him and thus achieved unexpected fame. One morning he woke up and the wooden doll had disappeared along with all the income. The desperate puppeteer now tried to carve a talking doll himself, but all efforts seemed in vain.