80 Fairy Tales

But it will be exceedingly foolish and rash
of you.”

“Why, what will he do?” asked Hans,
beginning to feel uncomfortable. ‘“ Will he
kill me?” .

“Not just directly. He will catch you
with his great hand, and pop you into the
basket he carries on his back, and then, I
suppose, will be your time to pull out the
three hairs, if you ever have the courage to
do it. The first 3

“Well!” cried Hans breathlessly.

“You must not be so abrupt. It makes
my heart go pit-a-pat. You don’t seem to
me to know what nerves are.”

“T beg your pardon,” said Hans, “‘ but do
go on.”

“The first will be pretty bad, and the
second a good deal worse, but the third !—
Oh, when you get to the third I wouldn't
be you for the world! Take my advice and
run away home while you can.”

Poor Hans! His heart sank, and it must
be owned that he hada strong inclination to