She pushed Grettel out to the oven , from which fiery flames were already issuing . `` Creep in , '' said the witch , `` and see if it 's properly heated , so that we can shove in the bread . '' For when she had got Grettel in she meant to close the oven and let the girl bake , that she might eat her up too . But Grettel perceived her intention , and said : `` I do n't know how I 'm to do it ; how do I get in ? '' `` You silly goose ! '' said the hag , `` the opening is big enough ; see , I could get in myself , '' and she crawled toward it , and poked her head into the oven . Then Grettel gave her a shove that sent her right in , shut the iron door , and drew the bolt . Gracious ! how she yelled , it was quite horrible ; but Grettel fled , and the wretched old woman was left to perish miserably . Grettel flew straight to Hansel , opened the little stable-door , and cried : `` Hansel , we are free ; the old witch is dead . '' Then Hansel sprang like a bird out of a cage when the door is opened . How they rejoiced , and fell on each other 's necks , and jumped for joy , and kissed one another ! And as they had no longer any cause for fear , they went in the old hag 's house , and here they found , in every corner of the room , boxes with pearls and precious stones . `` These are even better than pebbles , '' said Hansel , and crammed his pockets full of them ; and Grettel said : `` I too will bring something home , '' and she filled her apron full . `` But now , '' said Hansel , `` let 's go and get well away from the witch 's wood . '' When they had wandered about for some hours they came to a big lake . `` We ca n't get over , '' said Hansel ; `` I see no bridge of any sort or kind . '' `` Yes , and there 's no ferry-boat either , '' answered Grettel ; `` but look , there swims a white duck ; if I ask her she 'll help us over , '' and she called out : `` Here are two children , mournful very , Seeing neither bridge nor ferry ; Take us upon your white back , And row us over , quack , quack ! '' The duck swam toward them , and Hansel got on her back and bade his little sister sit beside him . `` No , '' answered Grettel , `` we should be too heavy a load for the duck : she shall carry us across separately . ''
The good bird did this , and when they were landed safely XXXXX the other side , and had gone for a while , the wood became more and more familiar to them , and at length they saw their father 's house in the distance .
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