or, The Silver Skates 429

“Indeed, it seems likely,” sighed Hans. “ Well, mother,
we must give up the money bravely. It is certainly gone:
the father has told us all he knows. Let us think no more
about it.”

“¢ That ’s easy saying, Hans. I shall try; but it’s hard, and
my poor man wanting so many comforts. Bless me! How
girls fly about! They were here but this instant. Where
did they run to?”

“« They slipped behind the cottage, ” said Hans, “ like enough
to hide from us. Hist! Ill catch them for you? They both
can move quicker and softer than yonder rabbit ; but I ’ll give
them a good start first.”

“ Why, there zs a rabbit, sure enough. Hold, Hans! the
poor thing must have been in sore need to venture from its
burrow this bitter weather. I’ll get a few crumbs for it
within.”

So saying, the good woman bustled into the cottage. She
soon came out again; but Hans had forgotten to wait, and the
rabbit, after taking a cool survey of the premises, had scam-
pered off to unknown quarters. Turning the corner of the
cottage, Dame Brinker came upon the children. Hans and
Gretel were standing before Annie, who was seated carelessly
upon a stump.

“That is as good as a picture!” cried Dame Brinker,
halting in admiration of the group. ‘“ Many a painting have
I seen at the grand house at Heidelberg not a whit prettier.
My two are rough chubs, Annie; but you look like a fairy.”

“Do I?” laughed Annie, sparkling with animation.
“ Well, then, Gretel and Hans, imagine I’m your godmother,
just paying you a visit. Now, I’ll grant you each a wish.
What will you have, Master Hans?”