Oh! then she began to
howl quite horribly, but Grethel ran away, and the godless witch was
miserably burnt to death.
Grethel, however, ran as quick as lightning to Haensel, opened his
little stable, and cried, "Haensel, we are saved! The old witch is
dead!" Then Haensel sprang out like a bird from its cage when the door
is opened for it. How they did rejoice and embrace each other, and
dance about and kiss each other! And as they had no longer any need to
fear her, they went into the witch's house; and in every corner there
stood chests full of pearls and jewels. "These are far better than
pebbles!" said Haensel, and thrust into his pockets whatever could be
got in; and Grethel said, "I, too, will take something home with me,"
and filled her pinafore full. "But now we will go away," said Haensel,
"that we may get out of the witch's forest."
When they had walked for two hours, they came to a great piece of
water. "We cannot get over," said Haensel, "I see no foot-plank, and
no bridge." "And no boat crosses either," answered Grethel, "but a
white duck is swimming there; if I ask her, she will help us over."
Then she cried--
"Little duck, little duck, dost thou see,
Haensel and Grethel are waiting for thee?
There's never a plank, or bridge in sight,
Take us across on thy back so white."
The duck came to them, and Haensel seated himself on its back, and
told his sister to sit by him.
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