They knocked at the door , and when the woman opened it she exclaimed : `` You naughty children , what a time you 've slept in the wood ! we thought you were never going to come back . '' But the father rejoiced , for his conscience had reproached him for leaving his children behind by themselves . Not long afterward there was again great dearth in the land , and the children heard their mother address their father thus in bed one night : `` Everything is eaten up once more ; we have only half a loaf in the house , and when that 's done it 's all up with us . The children must be got rid of ; we 'll lead them deeper into the wood this time , so that they wo n't be able to find their way out again . There is no other way of saving ourselves . '' The man 's heart smote him heavily , and he thought : `` Surely it would be better to share the last bite with one 's children ! '' But his wife would n't listen to his arguments , and did nothing but scold and reproach him . If a man yields once he 's done for , and so , because he had given in the first time , he was forced to do so the second . But the children were awake , and had heard the conversation . When the old people were asleep Hansel got up , and wanted to go out and pick up pebbles again , as he had done the first time ; but the woman had barred the door , and Hansel could n't get out . But he consoled his little sister , and said : `` Do n't cry , Grettel , and sleep peacefully , for God is sure to help us . '' At early dawn the woman came and made the children get up . They received their bit of bread , but it was even smaller than the time before . On the way to the wood Hansel crumbled it in his pocket , and every few minutes he stood still and dropped a crumb on the ground . `` Hansel , what are you stopping and looking about you for ? '' said the father . `` I 'm looking back at my little pigeon , which is sitting on the roof waving me a farewell , '' answered Hansel . `` Fool ! '' said the wife ; `` that is n't your pigeon , it 's the morning sun glittering on the chimney . ''
But Hansel gradually threw all his crumbs XXXXX the path .
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