180 Fairy Tales
time, we shall proceed to blow up your
entrance, and anything else which stands in
the way of their recovery; but if I receive
them unhurt, we undertake to leave without
molesting you in any way.”

Upon this there was a frightful panic.
Some rushed away helter-skelter, some fell
on their knees, and others, crowding round
the master-tailor, implored him to advise
them; for the bare idea of being blown up
frightened them out of their wits. As for
the dwarf woman, she screamed more loudly
than any one, and the master-tailor stamped.
At last, when he could make himself heard,
he cried— ;

‘“Guinea-pigs! Idiots! Will you do what
I tell you?

‘Yes, yes, yes!”

“Will you banish that meddlesome woman
to the kitchen, and keep her there as head-
cook ?”

“Yes, yes, yes!”

‘Then all the rest is easy. Tie a bandage
over the children’s eyes, lead them to the