he gutter.
(One slice each, and I always give Fritz the one that has
the most butter.)
In winter we sit on the little stool by the stove at number four;
For when it's cold Fritz doesn't like to go out to come in next door.
It was one day in spring that he said, "I should like to
have a house to myself with you Grethel, and Nickel." And I
said, "Thank you, Fritz."
And he said, "If you'll come in at tea-time and sit by the stove, I'll
tell you tales that'll frighten you into fits.
About boys who ran away from their homes, and were taken by robbers,
and run after by wolves, and altogether in a dreadful state.
I saw the pictures of it in a book I was looking in, to see where
perhaps I should like to emigrate.
I've not quite settled whether I shall, or be cast away on a desert
island, or settle down nearer home;
But you'd better come in and hear about it, and then, wherever it is,
you'll be sure to be ready to come."
So I took my darling Katerina in my arms, and we went in to tea.
I love Katerina, though she lost her head long ago, poor thing; but
Fritz made me put her off my knee,
For he said, "When you're hushabying that silly old doll I know you're
not attending to me.
Now look here, Grethel, I think I have made up my mind that we won't
go far;
For we can have a house, and I can be master of it just as well where
we are.
Under the stairs would be a good place for a house for us if there's
room.
It's very dirty, but you're the housewife now, and you must sweep it
out well with the broom.
I shall expect you to keep my house very comfortable, and have my meals
ready when there's anything to eat;
And when Nickel and I come back from playing outside, you may peep out
and pretend you're watching for us coming up the street.
You've kept your apple, I see--I've eaten mine--well, it will be
something to make a start,
And I'll put by some of my cake, if you'll keep some of yours, and
remember Nickel must have part.
I call it your cake and your apple, but of course now you're my
housewife everything belongs to me;
But I shall give you the management of it, and you must make it go as
far