When day dawned, but before the sun had risen, the woman came and awoke the two children, saying “Get up, you sluggards! 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.” Grethel took the bread under her apron, as Hänsel had the stones in his pocket. Then they all set out together on the way to the forest. When they had walked a short time, Hänsel stood still and peeped back at the house, and did so again and again.

His father said, “Hänsel, what art thou looking at there and staying behind for? Mind what thou art about, and do not forget how to use thy legs.”

“Ah, father,” said Hänsel, “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 thy little cat, that is the morning sun which is shining on the chimneys.”