"Ah!" said Hansel merrily, "these are better than pebbles, Gretel,"
and he stuffed his pockets with the jewels, whilst Gretel filled her
pinafore. "Now," said Hansel, "we will leave the witch's wood behind
us as fast as we can."
So off they ran, and never stopped until they came to a lake, upon
which swam a large white duck.
"How can we cross," said Hansel, "for there is no bridge anywhere?"
"And no ship either," Gretel answered; "but we will ask the pretty
white duck to carry us over." So they cried aloud:--
"Little duck, little duck,
With wings so white,
Carry us over
The waters bright."
The duck came at once, and, taking Hansel upon her back, carried him
over to the other side, and then did the same for Gretel. They went
merrily on their way, and very soon they found themselves in a part of
the wood they knew quite well.
When they saw the roof of their father's house in the distance they
began to run, and, breathless with haste, half laughing and half
crying, they rushed into the cottage and flung themselves into their
father's arms.
Oh! how pleased he was to see them once again, for he had not known a
happy hour since he had left them alone in the wood.
Pages:
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155