And now, as there was nothing
to fear, they went back to the witch's house, where in every corner
were caskets full of pearls and precious stones. "These are better
than pebbles," said Hansel, putting as many into his pocket as it
would hold; while Grethel thought, "I will take some home too," and
filled her apron full.
"We must be off now," said Hansel, "and get out of this enchanted
forest;" but when they had walked for two hours they came to a large
piece of water.
"We cannot get over," said Hansel; "I can see no bridge at all." "And
there is no boat either," said Grethel, "but there swims a white duck,
I will ask her to help us over;" and she sang,
"Little Duck, good little Duck,
Grethel and Hansel, together we stand;
There is neither stile nor bridge,
Take us on your back to land."
So the Duck came to them, and Hansel sat himself on, and bade his
sister sit beside him. "No," replied Grethel, "that will be too much
for the Duck, she shall take us over one at a time." This the good
little bird did, and when both were happily arrived on the other side,
and had gone a little way, they came to a well-known wood, which they
knew the better every step they went, and at last they perceived their
father's house.
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