and then said, “My way lies up the chimney. Have you really courage to go with me through the stove, and to creep through all the flues? We shall then get into the main flue, after which I am not at a loss what to do. Up we mount, then, so high that they can never reach us; and at the top is an opening that leads out into the world.”
And he led her towards the door of the stove.
“It looks quite black,” said she; but still she went with him, and on through all the intricacies of the interior, and through the flues, where a pitchy darkness reigned.
“We are now in the chimney,” said he; and behold, behold, above us is shining the loveliest star!”
It was a real star in the sky that shone straight down upon them, as if to show the way. They climbed and they crept higher and higher. It was a frightful way; but he lifted her up, he held her, and showed her the best places on which to put her little porcelain feet; and thus they reached
