第192页 / 共626页

Gretel, however, ran like lightning to Hansel, opened his little

stable, and cried: 'Hansel, we are saved! The old witch is dead!'

Then Hansel sprang like a bird from its cage when the door is

opened. How they did rejoice and embrace each other, and dance

about and kiss each other! And as they had no longer any need to

fear her, they went into the witch's house, and in every corner

there stood chests full of pearls and jewels. 'These are far

better than pebbles!' said Hansel, and thrust into his pockets

whatever could be got in, and Gretel said: 'I, too, will take

something home with me,' and filled her pinafore full. 'But now

we must be off,' said Hansel, 'that we may get out of the witch's

forest.'

When they had walked for two hours, they came to a great stretch

of water. 'We cannot cross,' said Hansel, 'I see no foot-plank,

and no bridge.' 'And there is also no ferry,' answered Gretel,

'but a white duck is swimming there: if I ask her, she will help

us over.' Then she cried: