'Wait for me by the railings,' said the crow, and he nodded his
head and flew away.

It was late in the evening when he came back.

'Caw, caw!' he said, 'I am to give you her love, and here is a
little roll for you. She took it out of the kitchen; there's
plenty there, and you must be hungry. You cannot come into the
palace. The guards in silver and the footmen in gold would not
allow it. But don't cry! You shall get in all right. My
sweetheart knows a little back-stairs which leads to the
sleeping-room, and she knows where to find the key.'

They went into the garden, and when the lights in the palace were
put out one after the other, the crow led Gerda to a back-door.

Oh, how Gerda's heart beat with anxiety and longing! It seemed
as if she were going to do something wrong, but she only wanted
to know if it were little Kay. Yes, it must be he! She
remembered so well his clever eyes, his curly hair. She could
see him smiling as he did when they were at home under the rose
trees! He would be so pleased to see her, and to hear how they
all were at home.

Now they were on the stairs; a little lamp was burning, and on
the landing stood the tame crow. She put her head on one side
and looked at Gerda, who bowed as her grandmother had taught her.

'My betrothed has told me many nice things about you, my dear
young lady,' she said. 'Will you take the lamp while I go in