they sang to it most charmingly, and that was the music which the travellers had heard. in the midst of them sat an old man who was rather taller than the rest. he wore a parti-coloured coat, and his iron-grey beard hung down over his breast. the two remained standing full of astonishment, and watched the dance. the old man made a sign that they should enter, and the little folks willingly opened their circle. the goldsmith, who had a hump, and like all hunchbacks was brave enough, stepped in; the tailor felt a little afraid at first, and held back, but when he saw how merrily all was going, he plucked up his courage, and followed. the circle closed again directly, and the little folks went on singing and dancing with the wildest leaps. the old man, however, took a large knife which hung to his girdle, whetted it, and when it was sufficiently sharpened, he looked round at the strangers.