Hi, Rebecca Shear here. Before we get to our story, exciting news.
Circle Round is going back on tour. with live recordings across the united states our first stop Sunday, October 5th in Parker, Colorado at the Pace Center.
And Circle Round Club members are invited to a special post-show meet and greet with me and composer Eric Shimalonis.
Get your tickets at wbur.org slash circle around and click on events.
We're announcing more tour stops soon, so stay tuned.
We look forward to circling around with you live.
WBUR podcasts, Boston. Have you ever had to finish something by a certain date or time?
It's what we call a deadline. And in today's story...
Our main character is presented with a deadline so tight so seemingly impossible, he has a devil of a time meeting it.
Woo! Woo! I'm Rebecca Shear, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time.
Today, our story is called... devil of a job.
Versions of this tale have been told in Ecuador, a country on the west coast of South America.
Some really great people came together to bring you our adaptation of this story. including Mel Rodriguez, whom you may recognize from our Season 1 episode, The Forbidden Knot.
Mel has voiced characters in animated films like Onward and Captain Underpants, the first epic movie. and disappeared in such TV shows as Made for Love, The After Party, and CSI Vegas.
So circle around, everyone. For a devil of a job.
If you visit the oldest part of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, The narrow cobblestone streets may lead you to San Francisco Plaza. a lively public square with restaurants and cafes, street performers and vendors, plus a spectacular view of a mountainous volcano, just outside the city.
One side of the plaza is taken up by a a huge church known as the San Francisco Church.
And if you pass through the church's big wooden doors, You'll find yourself in a spacious entryway known as the atrium.
Legend has it that once upon a time, this atrium was the site of an epic standoff between the man who designed it, its architect, and the devil himself.
The story goes that hundreds of years ago, an architect named Cantugna received a visit from some friars.
Friars are like monks. They lead a simple life devoted to religion.
And when the friars dropped by Cantuña's office, they delivered some exciting news.
We are going to build a glorious church here in Quito.
The very first church in all of Ecuador!
And we want you to build its atrium. Cantuna was delighted. and humbled to receive such an important assignment.
This is amazing! You really want me to build the atrium in Ecuador's first church?
We do. And because this atrium will be the first people see when they enter our church, we want it to be dramatic.
Majestic! Larger than life! You have quite the reputation as an architect, Cantuña.
Do you think you're up to the job? Yes, of course.
It would be my honor. I'll need at least a few months to do the drawings, maybe even a year. and then we could start building.
Of course, with a project this large, It'll probably take at least a handful of years to finish the construction, so... We're so sorry, Cantuña.
Spending a few months to do the drawings? taking a handful of years to finish the construction?
We don't have that kind of time. We don't?
Then what kind of time do we have? Well, the monks have decided that the entire atrium must be designed and built...
Start to finish in six months. Six months?
You do realize that's only half of a year, right?
Of course! But if anyone can do it, Cantuña...
It's you. Unless of course, you're not up to the task.
I mean, you were our first choice, but we can always find someone else.
No, no, no. I'm totally up to the task.
Six months to design and build an atrium that's dramatic. majestic and larger than life for the very first church in all of Ecuador?
No problem. Out of curiosity, though, what would happen if I didn't design and build the atrium within six months?
Oh, that's simple. You won't get paid for the job.
And the Keto Police will throw you in jail. for life.
Oh, I see. Well, In that case, no worries.
I'll have the entire job done within six months.
You can count on me. Everyone shook hands on the deal.
Then the friars went on their way. But the moment Cantuño was alone in his office... Six months!
He began wringing his hands and pacing the floor.
They want me to design and build from scratch a ginormous church atrium?
In just six months? And if I don't succeed, I get no payment and life in prison?
Cantuna stopped pacing. He took a deep breath, then let it out.
Well, obviously I have to make it happen now.
After all, I've given my word that I'll finish on time.
My word is my bond. Time to get to work.
So, Cantuña rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
The first step was to create drawings or blueprints showing what the structure would look like inside and out.
So Cantuña sat down at his table. He sharpened his pencil.
Then he grabbed a big pad of paper... and began to draw.
Okay, we'll put a doorway here and some windows there.
Or should the doorway be there and the windows here?
Ah, all right, let me try this again. Contunia drew.
Now, how about some columns? And Drew. Yes.
Many, many columns. And drew some more.
That's too many columns. Day after day, night after night, Cantuña sat hunched over his table, his pencil clutched in his hand. as he went through endless sheets of paper. and endless cups of coffee,
Until, at last, his blueprints were complete.
There was just one problem. Oh, no. When Cantuña checked his calendar, he realized it had taken him forever.
Five months to create the blueprints. And I only have six months to finish the entire atrium.
Blueprints, construction, the whole kit and caboodle.
Which means I only have one month left to gather my materials, hire my workers, and do all the building.
That's basically four weeks! But no use complaining.
After all, I've given my word that I'll finish on time.
And my word is my bond. Time to get to work.
So again, Cantuna rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
He ordered wagons to haul big hunks of stone from the volcano outside the city.
Look at that volcanic rock! That's the perfect color and texture.
He brought on hundreds of the strongest and ablest workers.
Welcome, friends. We have roughly four weeks to complete our task.
Prepare to work every single day, dawn until dusk.
And then, construction began. Under Cantuña's supervision, the workers used sharp tools to chip and chisel the volcanic rock.
They used hefty ropes to pull the stones into place.
Then they dipped trowels into heavy buckets of mortar and glued the stones together.
They worked... Three weeks left, friends.
And they worked. Two weeks left, friends.
And before they knew it... One week left, friends.
We're nowhere near done. So we will no longer work from dawn until dusk.
For the next seven days, we will work around the clock, 24 hours a day, starting now.
At first, the workers worked even harder.
Six days left, friends! And faster. Five days left, friends.
But soon they grew wearier. Four days left, friends.
And weaker. Three days left, friends. And fainter.
Two days left, friends. And the day before the big deadline... One day left, friends.
Kuntunya came to a gut-wrenching realization.
We will never be finished in time. It was true.
The atrium, the structure that was supposed to be so dramatic, majestic and larger than life, was only halfway done.
Cantuña's heart felt heavy as lead. But as he looked at his workers' haggard faces and sweaty brows, he tried his best to smile.
Listen friends, you've been toiling away for weeks now.
You've given your blood, sweat, and tears to this construction project.
And for that, I am forever grateful. Now, however, it's time to stop.
The workers exchanged a glance. Sure, they were bone tired, but they were nowhere near finished.
Was Cantuna really sending them home now?
I'm sorry if this comes as a disappointment.
You've given this project your all, your best.
And in the end, our best is all we have to give.
So go home now and rest. The weary workers did as Cantuña said and made their way home. and as the rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the towering volcano, Cantugno was left alone, sitting in his half-finished atrium in the dark.
And so it's come to this. As of tomorrow, my six months are up. and my atrium is nowhere near complete.
I need time, much more time. Sure, that's some sort of miracle or magic, but without either one, I'm done for.
Well, little did he know, but even though Cantuño would not get more time, He would experience some magic, and it would be much darker magic than he'd ever imagined. dreamed of.
What sort of magic is coming Cantuna's way?
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Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Shear.
Today, our story is called A Devil of a Job.
Before the break, an architect named Cantugna had just six months to design and build a grand atrium for Ecuador's first church, if you didn't finish in time.
"'He would be thrown in jail for life!' "'Continua and his workers toiled away.'
But the night before the big deadline, The atrium was only half complete, so Cantuña told his workers to go home.
Then he crouched down in the moonlight, buried his head in his hands, and began to cry.
Hmph. Then, all of a sudden... Cantunia!
Cantunia rubbed his eyes and squinted through the darkness.
In the shadows, he could make out the silhouette of a tall man.
Who are you? And how do you know my name?
The tall man stepped forward. He was dressed all in black, save for a long red cape.
Good evening. I am a longtime admirer of yours, Cantuia.
And I know your name because everyone knows your name.
They say you're the best architect in the business.
Even if I was the best architect in the business, I'm certainly not anymore.
I've been working my tail off nonstop for nearly half a year, and yet my latest project is a failure.
And tomorrow everyone will know that I am a failure.
And I'll spend the rest of my life in jail.
But that's why I've come to see you, Cantunia.
I can help. I know your distress, your fear, your anxiety, your anguish, And if you let me help you, I can make it all go away.
Cantugna gave the man a long look. Then he shook his head and cracked a smile.
Okay, no offense, friend, but that sounds way too good to be true.
You see that pile of stones over there? I have less than 24 hours to turn that heap of rock into a dramatic. majestic, larger than life atrium for a church.
So unless you've got some serious magic up those long black sleeves of yours, then I really don't think you could possibly Whoa!
Cantuna froze. Before his very eyes, One of the massive stones rose up from the pile, then floated in midair.
It hovered for a moment, then glided over to one of the atrium's unfinished walls and nestled itself right there.
Wait a minute! How did that happen? What's going on here?
It's like I told you, Cantunia. I can help you.
I can make magic. I will see to it that this entire atrium is finished before the first rooster crows in the morning.
I just want one thing in return. Contunia felt a shiver run down his spine.
And what is it you want in return? Oh, nothing much.
All I want is your soul. For all of eternity.
The man grinned, showing a mouth full of pointy white teeth.
Cantuna, however, grimaced, because all at once he realized who this man truly was.
You! You're the devil. And you're doing that thing the devil does in all of those storybooks I've read.
You make someone an offer so appealing, so enticing, that they can't refuse.
But in exchange, you ask for their soul.
Very good, Countunia. In addition to being a very talented architect, you are clearly a very well-read man.
Well, I refuse to be like those characters in the stories.
I won't do it. I won't make a deal with the devil.
No. The devil arched an eyebrow. So correct me if I'm wrong, Cantuña, but you'd rather, oh, how did you put it?
Let everyone know you're a failure and spend the rest of your life in jail? after working your tail off for nearly half a year?
That doesn't make a whole lot of sense, does it?
Cantunia gazed into the devil's eyes, and as he watched them spark and smolder like two fireflies, fires in the dark, he felt something in his mind click.
Suddenly, the beginnings of a plan began to form, a plan for how he might outwit the devil. himself.
You know, now that you say it, I guess it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for me to say no to you.
Does it? No sense whatsoever. Very well, then.
Cantunia rose to his feet. I'll let you use your magic to finish the atrium before the first rooster crows.
Wonderful. Then I'll give you my soul. Marvelous.
But... I'll only do it on one condition.
And what would that one condition be? Well...
When the new day breaks and the first rooster crows, the atrium must be 100% complete.
If a single stone is missing, I get to keep my soul.
Is that clear? The devil grinned another pointy-toothed grin.
It's very clear, Cantuña. Clear as a church bell, you might say.
So, do we have a deal? We do have a deal.
I give you my word. And my word is my bond.
How very noble. And how very foolhardy. Time to get to work.
The devil swished his red cape, and a cloud of smoke filled the air.
When the smoke cleared, Cantunia's ears picked up the sound of voices seemingly all around him, yet he couldn't see anyone.
The voices grew louder. And then suddenly, the construction site sprang to life.
Cantuna watched in amazement as tools zipped through the air, all of them chipping and chiseling the uncut rock.
Then, one by one, stones floated up from the pile glided to the unfinished atrium and gently landed in place.
From there, trowels of mortar zoomed out of the buckets and covered the cracks with glue.
You see, Cantonia, it's amazing what a little magic can do.
I'll say. It's like thousands of invisible workers have taken over.
That's because they have. Some call them demons.
Some call them spirits, but I call them my little helpers.
And now, They're helping you, too. The devil swished his red cape again, and his unseen helpers picked up their speed.
Tools flew, stones whizzed, and trowels danced as the invisible spirits worked.
Four hours left, friends. And worked. Three hours left, friends.
And worked. Two hours left, friends. And hour by hour, Stone by stone, Cantuña's dramatic, majestic, larger-than-life vision for the atrium. became closer to reality.
One hour left, friends. Cantuña had been awake for days, but even though his body was exhausted, His mind was alert.
He kept a watchful eye on the construction.
And just before daybreak... he tiptoed to a wall that was all finished, though the mortar had not yet dried.
Okay. Let's see which one of these stones will work best.
Cantuña stuck out a hand and reached for one of the wall's smaller stones.
He took hold of it and gently pried it loose.
To his relief, the wall remained standing.
The missing stone didn't affect a thing.
Cotugno smiled as he gripped the stone in his fingers.
Then, just as he placed it down on the ground, The first rooster let out its mourning crow, and the hustle and bustle of the devil's little helpers came to a halt.
Well, Cantunia, I am proud to present your atrium.
Cantuna felt his heart flutter, lit by the clear light of the rising sun.
The atrium was beautiful. Every door, every window, every column seemed to sparkle.
As you can see, Comtunia, I have made good on my part of our deal.
I have given you your atrium. So now, I get your soul.
The devil smiled a wicked smile, but Cantunia smiled right back.
Actually devil, not so fast. You see, you don't get my soul.
Because you didn't make good on your end of the deal.
That's not true. Look at this atrium, Cantunia.
It's everything you wished for. It's dramatic, majestic, larger than life.
And what's more, it is 100% complete. Lest you think I failed to remember your one condition, not a single stone is missing.
Hmm, are you sure about that? Cantuna pointed toward the ground.
Because I'm pretty sure I see a missing stone.
Right there. The devil looked down. When he saw the stone, his eyes opened wide.
But this is impossible. My little helpers would never leave a stone behind.
Never. Really? Cantuna pointed toward the wall.
Then how do you explain this hole in the wall?
See it here? This little gap? This is where the missing stone belongs.
Therefore, the atrium is short one's stone.
Therefore, It is not 100% complete. Therefore, you do not get my soul.
But. No, no, no, buts. I gave you my word, and my word is my bond.
But if you can't come through on your end of the bargain, then our deal is off.
The devil was too furious to speak. Now that he had been bested by a mere mortal, He clenched his fists.
Why, you... you... You little... He gritted his pointy white teeth.
I should... I could. He stomped his foot.
You're gonna... I'm gonna... He let out a groan.
And then... With a great flourish, he swished his red cape and disappeared. in a dark puff of smoke.
As for Cantugna, the architect went on to receive great acclaim for his atrium. with his reputation and soul intact.
And since then, countless visitors have come to the San Francisco church and searched for the missing stone.
No one has found it. yet. But if you're ever in Quito, and you walk inside Cantuña's dramatic majestic larger-than-life atrium keep your eyes peeled and perhaps you you'll be the first.
. . . Now it's your turn. What's something you're working hard on right now?
Maybe you're working hard to learn how to read.
Or ride a two-wheeled bike. Maybe you're putting extra effort into keeping your room clean or...
Getting along with a sibling. Whatever it is, if you start to feel down or discouraged, give yourself a pep talk. and remind yourself that you're strong you've got this you can do it And if someone else in your life is working hard on something, remind them that they can do it too.
Woo-hoo! This week's story, A Devil of a Job, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear.
It was edited by Nora Sachs. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis.
Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has drawn a black and white coloring page for all 200-plus Circle Round stories, and you can color them in while you listen. grown-ups visit our website wbur.org circle around and click on coloring pages And while you're at wbur.org slash circle around.
Click the books link to find our circle around picture books adapted from some of your favorite books. favorite episodes and featuring illustrations by artists from around the world Special thanks to this week's actors, Evan Casey, James Konacek,
Mell has voiced characters in animated films like Onward and Captain Underpants, the first epic movie, and has appeared in such television shows as Made for Love, The After Party, and CSI Vegas.
He's also appeared on Circle Round. Mel was part of our first season of stories.
You can hear him play a proud fishing boat captain in The Forbidden Knot.
Our featured instrument this week was the pipe organ.
You can learn more about this keyboard instrument, which makes sound by blowing air through pipes and see a photograph of the actual pipe organ at the San Francisco church on our website.
Once more, that's wbur.org slash circleround.
Grownups, if you enjoy what you hear on Circle Round, please write us a five-star review on your favorite podcast app.
And please tell your friends about the show.
It'll help us keep circling around with you for years to come.
Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR news station.
I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for circling around with us.
One of the best things about creating Circle Round is hearing from listeners like you.
Circle Round fans have been telling us about their favorite Circle Round stories, and we're excited to share some of their voices with you.
My name is Willa. I live in Newfoundland.
My favorite Circle Round story is Coconut a Day.
I like the part where the man smashes the coconut on the tree.
I'm Emmy. I am from Vancouver, Canada, and my favorite episode of Circle Round is The Wrong Day.
I like the part where the messenger makes a big enormous paper bag.
Also, I love your stories. My name is Stella and I'm from Chico, California and my favorite trick around is star and the dragon i like it because she got zero children and then she had 100.
Hi, I'm Will. I live in North. My favorite circle round is the laughing bowl.
I like the part when the boat chases the fisherman and it eats him and that My name is Hutton and I live in Maine.
And my favorite soccer round story is the great ball game.
I like the part when the animals and birds play against Chitty Channel.
It's funny. My name is Sylvie and I live in West Hartford, Connecticut.
And my favorite circle around is the bassist stair, because I like the part when...
The sister saved the brother from the basilisk.
We love you, Rebecca Shearer. Did someone mention an episode you missed?
No problem. You can find every single Circle Round story on our website.
That's wbur.org slash circle around or wherever you and your grownups get your podcasts.
