would not wait any longer. "Gretel," she called
out in a passion, "get some water quickly; be Hansel fat or lean, this
morning I will kill and cook him."

Oh, how the poor little sister grieved, as she was forced to fetch the
water, and fast the tears ran down her cheeks! "Dear good God, help us
now!" she exclaimed. "Had we only been eaten by the wild beasts in the
wood, then we should have died together."

[Illustration]

But the old witch called out, "Stop that noise; it will not help you a
bit."

So, early in the morning, Gretel was forced to go out and fill the
kettle, and make a fire.

"First, we will bake, however," said the old woman; "I have already
heated the oven and kneaded the dough;" and so saying, she pushed poor
Gretel up to the oven, out of which the flames were burning fiercely.
"Creep in," said the witch, "and see if it is hot enough, and then we
will put in the bread." But she intended when Gretel got in to shut up
the oven and let her bake, so that she might eat her as well as Hansel.

Gretel saw what her thoughts were and said, "I do not know how to do it;
how shall I get in?"

"You stupid goose," said she, "the opening is big enough. See, I could
even get in myself!" And she got up, and put her head into the oven.

Then Gretel gave her a push, so that she fell right in, and then,
shutting the iron door, she bolted it. Oh! how horribly she howled; but
Gretel ran away, and left the wicked witch to burn to ashes.

Now she ran to Hansel, and, opening his door, called out, "Hansel we are
saved; the old witch is dead!" So he sprang out, like a bird out of his
cage when the door is opened; and they were so glad that they fell upon
each other's neck, and kissed each other over and over again.

And now, as there was nothing to fear, they went into the witch's house,
where, in every corner, were caskets full of pearls and precious stones.
"These are better than pebbles," said Hansel, putting as many into his
pocket as it would hold; while Gretel thought, "I will take some home
too," and filled her apron full. "We must be off now," said Hansel, "and
get out of this enchanted forest."

When they had walked for two hours they came to a large piece of water.
"We cannot get over," said Hansel. "I can see no bridge at all."

"And there is no boat, either," said Gretel; "but there swims a white
duck--I will ask her to help us over," and she sang:

"Little Duck so blithe and merry,
Hansel