At Trumpington John and Alan, two Cambridge scholars, carry the college's grain to the miller Simkin, who cheats them after he has driven away their horse. When the scholars return from catching the horse, the miller has to offer them a lodging for the night, as it has become late. During the night, Alan sleeps with the miller's daughter and John misdirects Simkin's wife into his own bed. In the morning the daughter tells Alan where the stolen grain is. Alan wants to waken John but arouses the miller instead. In the turmoil, the miller's wife knocks her husband out in the dark. John and Alan get their stolen corn back and ride away as fast as they can.

Like the Miller's Tale the Reeve's Tale is usually referred to as typical fabliau.

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