In the day he slept at the Snow-queen 's feet . But what happened to little Gerda when Kay did not come back ? What had become of him ? Nobody knew . The other boys told how they had seen him fasten his sledge on to a large one which had driven out of the town gate . Gerda cried a great deal . The winter was long and dark to her . Then the spring came with warm sunshine . ' I will go and look for Kay , ' said Gerda . So she went down to the river and got into a little boat that was there . Presently the stream began to carry it away . ` Perhaps the river will take me to Kay , ' thought Gerda . She glided down , past trees and fields , till she came to a large cherry garden , in which stood a little house with strange red and blue windows and a straw roof . Before the door stood two wooden soldiers , who were shouldering arms . Gerda called to them , but they naturally did not answer . The river carried the boat on to the land . Gerda called out still louder , and there came out of the house a very old woman . She leant upon a crutch , and she wore a large sun-hat which was painted with the most beautiful flowers . ` You poor little girl ! ' said the old woman .
And then she stepped into the water , brought the boat in close XXXXX her crutch , and lifted little Gerda out .
Before In So at into of till to upon with