54 THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER.

manage his business ; for, as I put a:veteran major of horse-
guards upon half pay yesterday, he having finished his time
in the service, I should think he cannot want his sword any
longer. It isan excellent blade, I can.assure you !”

It now remained to find the major. A search was com-

menced, and he was found living on his half-
pay in a little tavern which stood in a dark
corner of the third shelf in the cupboard. As
Fritz had imagined, he offered.no objection to
give up his sword, which had become useless
to him, and which was that instant fastened to
the Nutcracker’s neck.
The fear which Mary now felt prevented her
= from sleeping all the next night; and she
was -so wide awake that she heard the clock
strike twelve.in the room where the cupboard was. Scarcely
had the hum of the last stroke ceased, when strange noises came
from the direction ofthe cupboard; and then there was a great
lashing of swords, as if two enemies were fighting in mortal
combat. Suddenly one of the duellists gave a squeak !

‘The king of ‘the mice!” cried Mary, full of joy and
terror at the same time.

There was then .a dead si- ;

 

lence ; but presently some one
knocked gently—very gently—
at the door; and a pretty little
voice said, ‘‘ Dearest Miss Sil-
berhaus, I have glorious news
for you: open the door, I be-
seech you!”

Mary recognised the voice of Bah!
young Drosselmayer. She has- Sao —O/e re
tily put on her little frock, and ~+ == ae
opened the door. The Nut-cracker was there, holding the
‘plood-stained sword in his right hand and a candle in his
left.. -The moment he saw Mary he knelt down, and said,