place it was; but the chimney-sweep helped her and supported her, till they
got higher and higher. He showed her the best places on which to set her
little china foot, so at last they reached the top of the chimney, and sat
themselves down, for they were very tired, as may be supposed. The sky,
with all its stars, was over their heads, and below were the roofs of the
town. They could see for a very long distance out into the wide world, and
the poor little shepherdess leaned her head on her chimney-sweep’s
shoulder, and wept till she washed the gilt off her sash; the world was so
different to what she expected. “This is too much,” she said; “I cannot bear
it, the world is too large. Oh, I wish I were safe back on the table. again,
under the looking glass; I shall never be happy till I am safe back again.
Now I have followed you out into the wide world, you will take me back, if
you love me.”
Then the chimney-sweep tried to reason with her, and spoke of the old
Chinaman, and of the Major-general-field-sergeant-commander Billy-goat’s
legs; but she sobbed so bitterly, and kissed her little chimney-sweep till he
was obliged to do all she asked, foolish as it was. And so, with a great deal
of trouble, they climbed down the chimney, and then crept through the pipe
and stove, which were certainly not very pleasant places. Then they stood in
the dark fire-box, and listened behind the door, to hear what was going on
in the room. As it was all quiet, they peeped out. Alas! there lay the old
Chinaman on the floor; he had fallen down from the table as he attempted to
run after them, and was broken into three pieces; his back had separated
entirely, and his head had rolled into a corner of the room. The major-
general stood in his old place, and appeared lost in thought.
“This is terrible,” said the little shepherdess. “My poor old grandfather is
broken to pieces, and it is our fault. I shall never live after this;” and she
wrung her little hands.
“He can be riveted,” said the chimney-sweep; “he can be riveted. Do not
be so hasty. If they cement his back, and put a good rivet in it, he will be as
good as new, and be able to say as many disagreeable things to us as ever.”
