` Ho ! ho ! my little fellow , what are you doing there ? ' asked Hans , and , without waiting for an answer , gave him a kick which sent him flying down the stairs . Then he climbed higher still , and finding as he went dumb watchers sitting on every landing , treated them as he had done the first . At last he reached the top , and as he paused for a moment to look round him he saw another headless man cowering in the very bell itself , waiting till Hans should seize the bell-pull in order to strike him a blow with the clapper , which would soon have made an end of him . ` Stop , my little friend ! ' cried Hans . ` That is not part of the bargain ! Perhaps you saw how your comrades walked down stairs , and you are going after them . But as you are in the highest place you shall make a more dignified exit , and follow them through the window ! ' With these words he began to climb the ladder , in order to take the little man from the bell and carry out his threat . At this the dwarf cried out imploringly , ` Oh , brother ! spare my life , and I promise that neither I nor my comrades will ever trouble you any more . I am small and weak , but who knows whether some day I shall not be able to reward you . ' ` You wretched little shrimp , ' replied Hans , ' a great deal of good your gratitude is likely to do me ! But as I happen to be feeling in a cheerful mood to-night I will let you have your life . But take care how you come across me again , or you may not escape so easily ! ' The headless man thanked him humbly , slid hastily down the bell rope , and ran down the steps of the tower as if he had left a fire behind him . Then Hans began to ring lustily .
When the minister heard the sound of the midnight bells he wondered greatly , but rejoiced that he had at last found some one XXXXX whom he could trust this duty .
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