A few of the cleverest had brought some slices of bread and butter with them , but they did not share them with their neighbour , for they thought , `` If he looks hungry , the princess will not take him ! '' ' ` But what about Kay ? ' asked Gerda . ` When did he come ? Was he in the crowd ? ' ` Wait a bit ; we are coming to him ! On the third day a little figure came without horse or carriage and walked jauntily up to the palace . His eyes shone as yours do ; he had lovely curling hair , but quite poor clothes . ' ` That was Kay ! ' cried Gerda with delight . ` Oh , then I have found him ! ' and she clapped her hands . ` He had a little bundle on his back , ' said the crow . ` No , it must have been his skates , for he went away with his skates ! ' ` Very likely , ' said the crow , ' I did not see for certain . But I know this from my sweetheart , that when he came to the palace door and saw the royal guards in silver , and on the stairs the footmen in gold , he was not the least bit put out . He nodded to them , saying , `` It must be rather dull standing on the stairs ; I would rather go inside ! '' ` The halls blazed with lights ; councillors and ambassadors were walking about in noiseless shoes carrying gold dishes . It was enough to make one nervous ! His boots creaked dreadfully loud , but he was not frightened . '
` That must be XXXXX ! '
Gerda Kay bundle councillors crow crowd delight footmen neighbour sweetheart