neighbour, for they thought, "If he looks hungry, the princess
will not take him!"'

'But what about Kay?' asked Gerda. 'When did he come? Was he in
the crowd?'

'Wait a bit; we are coming to him! On the third day a little
figure came without horse or carriage and walked jauntily up to
the palace. His eyes shone as yours do; he had lovely curling
hair, but quite poor clothes.'

'That was Kay!' cried Gerda with delight. 'Oh, then I have found
him!' and she clapped her hands.

'He had a little bundle on his back,' said the crow.

'No, it must have been his skates, for he went away with his
skates!'

'Very likely,' said the crow, 'I did not see for certain. But I
know this from my sweetheart, that when he came to the palace
door and saw the royal guards in silver, and on the stairs the
footmen in gold, he was not the least bit put out. He nodded to
them, saying, "It must be rather dull standing on the stairs; I
would rather go inside!"

'The halls blazed with lights; councillors and ambassadors were
walking about in noiseless shoes carrying gold dishes. It was
enough to make one nervous! His boots creaked dreadfully loud,
but he was not frightened.'