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The two children had also not been able to sleep for hunger, and

had heard what their stepmother had said to their father. Gretel

wept bitter tears, and said to Hansel: 'Now all is over with us.'

'Be quiet, Gretel,' said Hansel, 'do not distress yourself, I

will soon find a way to help us.' And when the old folks had

fallen asleep, he got up, put on his little coat, opened the door

below, and crept outside. The moon shone brightly, and the white

pebbles which lay in front of the house glittered like real

silver pennies. Hansel stooped and stuffed the little pocket of

his coat with as many as he could get in. Then he went back and

said to Gretel: 'Be comforted, dear little sister, and sleep in

peace, God will not forsake us,' and he lay down again in his

bed. When day dawned, but before the sun had risen, the woman

came and awoke the two children, saying: 'Get up, you sluggards!