One day Keloglan's master was entertaining several guests at his home. In those days it was quite customary to take off one's shoes when entering a house. These shoes were left on the doorstep or porch and were pointed inward toward the house. It was also customary for some member of the household to turn the shoes around, so that it would be easier for the departing guest to slip them on again. Shortly after the arrival of the guests, the owner of the house said, " Keloglan, go out and turn the shoes of your guests."

Keloglan did not understand that order. He went out and began turning the gusests' shoes inside out. This was sometimes very strenuous work. It was relatively easy to turn soft shoes inside out, but it was extremely difficult to do that to the hard boots. He used his two hands and his teeth to grapple with those hard shoes. In this struggle, he bruised his hands and cut his mouth, which started bleeding.

When Keloglan did not return quickly from his chore, his master went to the door and asked, "What have you been doing *** this time, Keloglan?"

"Well, I am turning the shoes, as you directed, but so far I have been able to finish only those which are soft-covered."