"So! she wishes to smuggle you past us! Not this time! Out of the way; see that you be gone!" exclaimed the watchmen among themselves, lifting up their sharp quills. "But, indeed, I will go only to the children," entreated Maerchen; "this, surely, you will grant to me." "Stay there not, already, enough of these menials in the land around?" exclaimed one of the watchmen. "They only prattle nonsense to our children." "Let us see what she knows this time," said another. "Well then," cried they, "tell us what you know; but make haste, for we have not much time for you." Maerchen stretched forth her hand, and described with the forefinger, various figures in the air. Thereupon they saw confused images move slowly across it;--caravans, fine horses, riders gayly attired, numerous tents upon the sand of the desert; birds, and ships upon the stormy seas; silent forests, and populous places, and highways; battles, and peaceful wandering tribes--all hovered, a motley crowd, in animated pictures, over before them. Maerchen, in the eagerness with which she had caused the figures to rise forth, had not observed that the watchmen of the gate had one by one fallen asleep. Just as she was about to describe new lines, a friendly man came up to her, and seized her hand. "Look here, good Maerchen," said he, as he pointed to the sleepers; "for these thy varied creations are as nothing; slip nimbly through the door; they will not suspect that thou art in the land, and thou canst quietly and unobserved pursue thy way. I will lead thee unto my children; in my house will give thee a peaceful, friendly home; there thou mayest remain and live by thyself; whenever my sons and daughters shall have learned their lessons well, they shall be permitted to run to thee with their plays, and attend to thee. Dost thou agree?" "Oh! how gladly will I follow thee unto thy dear children! how diligently will I endeavor to make, at times, for them, a happy little hour!" The good man nodded to her cordially, and assisted her to step over the feet of the sleeping men. Maerchen, when she had got safely across, looked around smilingly, and then slipped quickly through the gate. FOOTNOTES: [A] Maerchen represents the fairy or legendary tales, of which the Germans were at one time so fond. [B] The German "Almanach" corresponds in a measure with the English "Annual." THE CARAVAN.