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we are going into the forest to fetch wood.' She gave each a

little piece of bread, and said: 'There is something for your

dinner, but do not eat it up before then, for you will get

nothing else.' Gretel took the bread under her apron, as Hansel

had the pebbles in his pocket. Then they all set out together on

the way to the forest. When they had walked a short time, Hansel

stood still and peeped back at the house, and did so again and

again. His father said: 'Hansel, what are you looking at there

and staying behind for? Pay attention, and do not forget how to

use your legs.' 'Ah, father,' said Hansel, 'I am looking at my

little white cat, which is sitting up on the roof, and wants to

say goodbye to me.' The wife said: 'Fool, that is not your little

cat, that is the morning sun which is shining on the chimneys.'

Hansel, however, had not been looking back at the cat, but had

been constantly throwing one of the white pebble-stones out of

his pocket on the road.