"Go into the cave, Mitzi," repeated the tall stranger quietly.
Then he began to play the sweetest music that Mitzi had ever heard. He walked into the cave, prancing as he walked. Mitzi got up. She wanted to run home, but she could not. She could only follow the Piper into the cave.
Now, at the toy maker's wagon the family began to worry. It was almost dark, and Mitzi had not come home.
"I will go and find her," said Fritz.
Mrs. Toymaker decided to go along with Fritz.
| "WAKE UP, YOU SILLY" |
Meanwhile, Mitzi was inside the cave. There she sat with many wide-eyed children. She wanted to go home. But the Piper was playing and making her happy. She felt all snuggly and contented.
Suddenly she thought of Fritz. Oh, she must go! She and Fritz had much to do. She could not stay here any longer. In the morning they were going to leave Hamelin. If she did not return to the wagon, they would go on without her.
| ONLY FRITZ, FRANK, AND MOTHER |