CLIMBER No! No! This time I must lie still Unless he comes himself. He’d take it ill If I should offer him a change of diet He’s not accustomed to. I must lie quiet Unless he says that he’s prepared to try it. [_She lies down again. The stage gradually becomes quite dark, as the Thief sings this song._] THIEF’S SONG God gave me a little fire, And, as He did require, I burnt it all away, And He gave me more each day. At last to one most dear I denied my fire in fear, And now the light’s gone out, And God’s nowhere about. [_At this moment the eight-day clock in the corner of the room strikes twelve slowly, and a great Hand comes in at the hole in the centre of the roof. All have fallen asleep except the Thief. She springs up with a cry and shakes the Climber, who does not stir, but all the others start up, and Finn calls loudly on the Gripper, who lays hold on the Hand and takes it in to the two eyebrows at the chimney. The Hand gives a pull on the Gripper, and takes him out to the top of his two shoulders. The Gripper gives another pull on the Hand and brings it in to the neck. The Hand gives a pull on the Gripper, and brings him out to the very middle. The Gripper gives a pull on the Hand, and brings it in over the two armpits. The Hand gives a pull on the Gripper, and takes him out to the smalls of his two feet. Then the Gripper gives a brave pull on the Hand, and it comes out of the shoulder, and when it falls on the floor the pulling of seven geldings is in it. All shout with joy._] FINN [_Wiping his brow in unutterable relief._] What an escape! I nearly lost the child! She’d have been wild! I knew I could hold out Without having to shout For aid. [_At this moment the Giant, unnoticed, puts in his other hand and takes the child with him in the cap of the hand. It screams, awaking the Climber._] CLIMBER Oh! You’ve let it go! You’ve been asleep, I know! FINN [_Desperately, with his head in his hands._] What a mistake I’ve made! [_Furiously, to the Gripper._] You fool! Why couldn’t you Hold on a little longer? GRIPPER [_Plaintively and with resignation._] Because I never knew There was another Hand a little stronger. FINN [_Frantically, to Marksman._] You that’s so good at marking eggs, Why couldn’t you tell other folk About the yolk? MARKSMAN [_Tranquilly._]