Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/327

310 It seemed too likely.

Hansel could learn little more, but guessing that Father Gottfried had been of much use to his parents, he left with him a sum for his poor which so greatly astonished the worthy man as to leave him nearly speechless.

And now Hansel Was back in, Dresden, seeking his father and mother.

Three anxious days passed after his return, and then as he sat at dinner in this handsome dining-room, pretending to eat, but too sad to do more than play with what was placed before him, a servant brought word that a pair of beggars were outside, demanding to see the Herr, and refusing to be sent away.

"I, have in vain told them that your honor is not to be disturbed. They insist that your honor open this package."

Hansel seized the little parcel, and tore it open with shaking fingers.

It was the old wooden goat!