eyes clearly revealed that she had realized her loss. At last she
began beating her bosom with both hands. Her hair fell down until you
could scarcely see her face.

And far off in the forest her children were speeding on their way.




CHAPTER XVII

EVERYCHILD WITH ADDITIONAL COMPANIONS FINDS REFUGE IN AN OLD HOUSE

Everychild and his companions were now journeying through a country
where the evenings were very long; and thus it chanced that after they
had all departed from the Old Woman who lived in a shoe, there was
still a considerable period of daylight before them.

Their number was now greatly augmented by the sons and daughters of the
Old Woman, and as a result, they were merrier than they had been
before. Just the same, they began to be hungry before night fell, and
they were greatly puzzled as to where they might satisfy their hunger.

Indeed, it may be confessed that Hansel became really disagreeable, and
remarked--in a muttering fashion, so that no one could be sure of
understanding him--that they might be on the right road to find the
truth, but that if they did not find food in greater abundance before
long, he, for his part, should take some other direction.

There were moments when Everychild was tempted to turn back; but he