or, The Silver Skates 305

“No, the south side. Ah, you know the spot well
enough, you rogue. Like enough you were there when your
mother lifted it. Now, son, easy; shift this pillow, so.
Good-night ! ”

“© Good-night, father!” said Hans, ready to dance for joy.

The moon rose very late that night, shining in, full and
clear, at the little window; but its beams did not disturb
Raff Brinker. He slept soundly; so did Gretel. As for
Hans and his mother, they had something else to do.

After making a few hurried preparations, they stole forth
with bright, expectant faces, bearing a broken spade and a
rusty implement that had done many a day’s service when Raff
was a hale worker on the dikes.

It was so light out of doors, they could see the willow-tree
distinctly. The frozen ground was hard as stone; but Hans
and his mother were resolute. Their only dread was, that
they might disturb the sleepers in the cottage.

“ This ysbreeker is just the thing, mother,” said Hans, strik-
ing many a vigorous blow; “but the ground has set so firm,
it "ll be a fair match for it.”

“‘ Never fear, Hans,” she answered, watching him eagerly.
“« Here, let me try a while.”

They soon succeeded in making an impression; one open-
ing, and the rest was not so difficult.

Still they worked on, taking turns, and whispering cheerily
to one another. Now and then Dame Brinker stepped noise-
lessly over the threshold, and listened, to be certain that her
husband slept.

‘©What grand news it will be for him!” she said, laugh-

ing, “when he is strong enough to bear it. How I should
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