A DWARF IN TROUBLE.
One day, not long after the bear had gone away, the mother sent Snow-white and Rose-red into the woods to gather sticks. They saw a big tree which the wind had blown down. As they drew near it they noticed something jumping up and down on the fallen tree-trunk. At first they could not tell what it was; but, when they went nearer, they saw it was a little dwarf with a wrinkled face and a long, white beard.
The tree was split from top to bottom and the dwarf’s beard was caught and held fast in the crack. He was jumping about at a great rate, but he could not get free.
It was really a funny sight to see the dwarf hopping about, and Snow-white and Rose-red could not keep from laughing. This made the dwarf very angry. He cried out, “Why are you standing there laughing instead of coming to help me?”
The children, as you know, were kind-hearted; and when they saw how the dwarf felt they pitied him.
“Poor little man!” said Rose-red, “how did this happen?”
“Stupid thing,” said the dwarf, “what a silly question. I was trying to split this tree that I might get wood for my fire. I drove my wedge into the tree, but the wedge flew out. As the crack closed up again it caught my beard and holds it so tight I cannot get it out.”
The children wished to help the poor dwarf. They went up to him and tried to pull his beard out of the tree, but all their pulling was of no use. “I will go home and get my mother,” said Rose-red. “No, no,” shouted the dwarf, “do not bring any more people here.” “I think I can help you,” said Snow-white. She took a little pair of scissors out of her pocket and cut the dwarf’s beard off close to the tree.
No sooner was he free than he caught up a bag full of gold which was lying among the roots of the tree, swung it over his shoulder, and walked away.
As he went he said something about stupid children who had cut his beautiful white beard. And so, grumbling and without one word of thanks, he was soon out of sight.
Suggestions.
Kindness. Unthankfulness.
V.
Preparation.
The dwarf in trouble again. The children imagine what his trouble may be. Explanation of river-bank. Explain rushes.
Narration.