While trudging along they saw a big bird hovering in the air , circling slowly above them , but always descending lower , till at last it settled on a rock not far from them . Immediately afterward they heard a sharp , piercing cry . They ran forward , and saw with horror that the eagle had pounced on their old friend the dwarf , and was about to carry him off . The tender-hearted children seized hold of the little man , and struggled so long with the bird that at last he let go his prey . When the dwarf had recovered from the first shock he screamed in his screeching voice : `` Could n't you have treated me more carefully ? You have torn my thin little coat all to shreds , useless , awkward hussies that you are ! '' Then he took a bag of precious stones and vanished under the rocks into his cave . The girls were accustomed to his ingratitude , and went on their way and did their business in town . On their way home , as they were again passing the heath , they surprised the dwarf pouring out his precious stones on an open space , for he had thought no one would pass by at so late an hour . The evening sun shone on the glittering stones , and they glanced and gleamed so beautifully that the children stood still and gazed on them . `` What are you standing there gaping for ? '' screamed the dwarf , and his ashen-gray face became scarlet with rage . He was about to go off with these angry words when a sudden growl was heard , and a black bear trotted out of the wood . The dwarf jumped up in great fright , but he had n't time to reach his place of retreat , for the bear was already close to him . Then he cried in terror : `` Dear Mr. Bear , spare me ! I 'll give you all my treasure . Look at those beautiful precious stones lying there . Spare my life ! what pleasure would you get from a poor feeble little fellow like me ? You wo n't feel me between your teeth .
There , lay hold of these two wicked girls , they will be a tender morsel for you , XXXXX fat as young quails ; eat them up , for heaven 's sake . ''
as at from in into like of on to under