or, The Silver Skates 43

as this last thought flashed upon him, his resolve was made.
If Gretel would not have the jacket, she should have the
skates.

“No, Gretel,” he answered at last, “I can wait. Some
day I may have money enough saved to buy a fine pair. You
shall have these.”’

Gretel’s eyes sparkled; but, in another instant, she insisted
rather faintly, —

“The young lady gave the money to you, Hans. I’d be
real bad to take it.”

Hans shook his head resolutely as he trudged on, causing his
sister to half skip and half walk in her effort to keep beside
him. By this time they had taken off their wooden “ rockers,”
and were hastening home to tell their mother the good news.

“ Oh, 7 know!” cried Gretel, in a sprightly tone. “ You
can do this. You can get a pair a little too small for you, and
too big for me; and we can take turns, and use them. Won’t
that be fine?” and Gretel clapped her hands again.

Poor Hans! This was a strong temptation; but he pushed
it away from him, brave-hearted fellow that he was.

“Nonsense, Gretel! You could never get on with a big
pair: you stumbled about with these like a blind chicken,
before I curved of the ends. No: you must have a pair
to fit exactly; and you must practise every chance you can
get until the 20th comes. My little Gretel shall win the
silver skates.” ‘

Gretel could not help laughing with delight at the very
idea.

“ Hans, Gretel!” called out a familiar voice.

‘“‘ Coming, mother.” And they hastened toward the cottage,
Hans still shaking the pieces of silver in his hand.