tell you tales that'll frighten you into fits.
About boys who ran away from their homes, and were taken by robbers,
and run after by wolves, and altogether in a dreadful state.
I saw the pictures of it in a book I was looking in, to see where
perhaps I should like to emigrate.
I've not quite settled whether I shall, or be cast away on a desert
island, or settle down nearer home;
But you'd better come in and hear about it, and then, wherever it is,
you'll be sure to be ready to come."
So I took my darling Katerina in my arms, and we went in to tea.
I love Katerina, though she lost her head long ago, poor thing; but
Fritz made me put her off my knee,
For he said, "When you're hushabying that silly old doll I know you're
not attending to me.
Now look here, Grethel, I think I have made up my mind that we won't
go far;
For we can have a house, and I can be master of it just as well where
we are.
Under the stairs would be a good place for a house for us if there's
room.
It's very dirty, but you're the housewife now, and you must sweep it
out well with the broom.
I shall expect you to keep my house very comfortable, and have my meals
ready when there's anything to eat;
And when Nickel and I come back from playing outside, you may peep out
and pretend you're watching for us coming up the street.
You've kept your apple, I see--I've eaten mine--well, it will be
something to make a start,
And I'll put by some of my cake, if you'll keep some of yours, and
remember Nickel must have part.