Page:Danish fairy and folk tales.djvu/142

 "Yes," replied the princess, "yesterday we roasted eighteen of them; to-day we had only two here." "That is well," said Peter, readily, "for then I have a chance to roast this crow;" and up came the dead crow which he had found in the road. "It will split in the oven," observed the princess. "Here is a string which we will tie around it," answered Peter, producing the shoestring. "The grease will run out of its bill," continued the princess. "Then we may cork it up," returned he, showing her the cork. "You seem to keep your wits in your pockets," remarked the princess; "but we will find a hook to hang you on!" "Hook?" repeated the boy, taking from his pocket one of the ram's horns; "here is one, if you wish to have a look at it." "Well," exclaimed she, "I never saw the like!" "It is not far away," cried Peter, pulling forth the other ram's horn, and handing it to her. "Keep your muddy hands by yourself!" commanded the princess. "Oh no," returned Peter; "if you wish to have some real fine mud, here it is." Now he brought forward the mud which he had found in the road, and threw it into the lap of the princess, soiling her beautiful white silk robe.

The princess was so enraged that she arose, swept the mud from her dress, stamped on the floor with both her feet, and burst into tears from mere desperation,

"Now you are silenced," said Peter, "and now