“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.