Fortunately some ducks were swimming about. Hop-o’-my-Thumb, who was a sharp little fellow, threw them some crumbs of pancake, which they swallowed greedily.
In recognition of his kindness the largest duck took him on his back and swam towards the opposite bank of the stream. In midstream he let poor little Hop-o’-my-Thumb fall into the water. However, after giving the ducks a few more crumbs he was landed safely on the other side on the back of another duck.
Hop-o’-my-Thumb, tired by his walk and wet through, lay down in the grass to rest. Presently an ant ran over the back of his hand. This so annoyed Hop-o’-my-Thumb that he caught it and killed it.
No sooner had he done so than he heard some one calling him. He recognized the voice of his fairy godmother, and looking up saw her in the grass.
This time she looked angrily at him. “Oh, Hop-o’-my-Thumb,” she said, “I am much disappointed in you. Up till now I have protected you because you are such a little thing, but after your cruelty to the poor little ant I withdraw my protection, and for one day you must suffer as do other little things.” She then disappeared into the ground.
Hop-o’-my-Thumb was very ashamed of himself, and, feeling very miserable, fell asleep.
Soon after a cow which was grazing in the field came up and swallowed the little fellow.
POOR LITTLE ANT
In the evening when the animals were driven into the shed, and the milkmaid waited to milk the greedy cow, she heard some one singing: