Kitabı oku: «Scary Fairy Tales. A1 / Страшные сказки», sayfa 7

“Save your crying,” said the old woman. “It doesn't help you at all.”

The next morning Gretel had to get up early, hang up thepotwith water, and make a fire.

“First we are going to bake,” said the old woman. “I have already made a fire in theoven and mixed thedough.”

She pushed poor Gretel outside to the oven, from which fire was breaking. “Climb in,” said the witch, “and see if it is hot enough to put the bread in yet.” She wanted to close the oven, when Gretel was inside, bake her, and eat her as well. But Gretel saw what she had in mind, so she said, “I don't know how to do that. How can I get inside?”

“Fool,” said the old woman. The opening is big enough. See, I myself could get in.” And she stuck her head into the oven.

Then Gretel gave her a kick, causing her to fall in. Then she closed the iron door and secured it with abar. The old woman began to scream. But Gretel ran away, and the evil witch burned up. Gretel ran straight to Hansel, unlocked his stall, and cried, “Hansel, we are saved. The old witch is dead.”

Then Hansel jumped out, like a bird from its cage when someone opens its door. How happy they were! They threw their arms around each other's necks, jumped with joy, and kissed one another. Because they now had nothing to fear, they went into the witch's house. In every corner were chests ofpearls and precious stones.

“These are better than little stones,” said Hansel, filling his pockets.

Gretel said, “I will take some home with me as well,” and she filled her apron full.

“But now we must leave,” said Hansel, “and get out of these witch-woods.”

After walking a few hours they arrived at a large lake. “We cannot get across,” said Hansel. “I cannot see a bridge.”