The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (8)

The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep (8)
 

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 until he was obliged to do all she asked.

And so, with a great deal of trouble, they climbed down the chimney, and 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!
The old Chinaman lay 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 into two and his head had rolled away from his body.



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. "
She wrung her little hands.

" He can be riveted back together," said the Chimney-Sweep.
" 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 will be able to say as many disagreeable things to us as ever. "    

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