Страница 623 из 626

As they crossed the heath again on their way home they surprised

the dwarf, who had emptied out his bag of precious stones in a

clean spot, and had not thought that anyone would come there so

late. The evening sun shone upon the brilliant stones; they

glittered and sparkled with all colours so beautifully that the

children stood still and stared at them. 'Why do you stand gaping

there?' cried the dwarf, and his ashen-grey face became

copper-red with rage. He was still cursing when a loud growling

was heard, and a black bear came trotting towards them out of the

forest. The dwarf sprang up in a fright, but he could not reach

his cave, for the bear was already close. Then in the dread of

his heart he cried: 'Dear Mr Bear, spare me, I will give you all

my treasures; look, the beautiful jewels lying there! Grant me my

life; what do you want with such a slender little fellow as I?

you would not feel me between your teeth.