Grethel, however, ran like lightning to Hänsel, opened his little stable, and cried, “Hänsel, we are saved! The old witch is dead!” Then Hänsel sprang out like a bird from its cage when the door is opened for it. How they did rejoice and embrace each other, and dance about and kiss each other! And as they had no longer any need to fear her, they went into the witch’s house, and in every corner there stood chests full of pearls and jewels.

“These are far better than pebbles!” said Hänsel, and thrust into his pockets whatever could be got in, and Grethel said, “I, too, will take something home with me,” and filled her pinafore full.

“But now we will go away,” said Hänsel, “that we may get out of the witch’s forest.”

When they had walked for two hours, they came to a great piece of water. “We cannot get over,” said Hänsel, “I see no foot-plank, and no bridge.”