Just come in and stay with me , no ill shall befall you . '' She took them both by the hand and let them into the house , and laid a most sumptuous dinner before them -- milk and sugared pancakes , with apples and nuts . After they had finished , two beautiful little white beds were prepared for them , and when Hansel and Grettel lay down in them they felt as if they had got into heaven . -LRB- 1 -RRB- He was a vulgar boy ! The old woman had appeared to be most friendly , but she was really an old witch who had waylaid the children , and had only built the little bread house in order to lure them in . When anyone came into her power she killed , cooked , and ate him , and held a regular feast-day for the occasion . Now witches have red eyes , and can not see far , but , like beasts , they have a keen sense of smell , and know when human beings pass by . When Hansel and Grettel fell into her hands she laughed maliciously , and said jeeringly : `` I 've got them now ; they sha 'n' t escape me . '' Early in the morning , before the children were awake , she rose up , and when she saw them both sleeping so peacefully , with their round rosy cheeks , she muttered to herself : `` That 'll be a dainty bite . '' Then she seized Hansel with her bony hand and carried him into a little stable , and barred the door on him ; he might scream as much as he liked , it did him no good . Then she went to Grettel , shook her till she awoke , and cried : `` Get up , you lazy-bones , fetch water and cook something for your brother . When he 's fat I 'll eat him up . '' Grettel began to cry bitterly , but it was of no use ; she had to do what the wicked witch bade her . So the best food was cooked for poor Hansel , but Grettel got nothing but crab-shells . Every morning the old woman hobbled out to the stable and cried : `` Hansel , put out your finger , that I may feel if you are getting fat . '' But Hansel always stretched out a bone , and the old dame , whose eyes were dim , could n't see it , and thinking always it was Hansel 's finger , wondered why he fattened so slowly . When four weeks had passed and Hansel still remained thin , she lost patience and determined to wait no longer . `` Hi , Grettel , '' she called to the girl , `` be quick and get some water . Hansel may be fat or thin , I 'm going to kill him to-morrow and cook him . '' Oh !
how the poor little sister sobbed as she XXXXX the water , and how the tears rolled down her cheeks !
appeared carried getting got held let liked pass seized sleeping