DANISH FAIRY AND FOLK TALES
you will notice there is a little bird carved on the back. When you seat yourself in it, and say 'Pip, little bird!' it will drive along, until you cry stop. When any one touches the sledge the bird will say 'Pip.' If then you call 'Hold on!' they must remain where they are until you bid them 'Let go!' Be careful that no one shall steal your vehicle, and I think you will be successful."
Jesper thanked her kindly for the good gift, seated himself in the sledge, said "Pip, little bird!" and was at once carried as swiftly along the road as if drawn by a pair of the best horses. All who saw it became so astonished that they nearly dropped nose and mouth from surprise. Jesper did not care, however; he drove straight onward until evening, when he stopped at an inn to rest for the night. He tied the sledge to his bed in order to prevent its being stolen. But the people at the inn having seen him arrive were, of course, very curious to know more about the remarkable vehicle. Late at night, when everybody thought he was asleep, one of the servant-girls, anxious to examine the wonderful sledge, stole slyly into the room. But as soon as she touched the sledge the bird said "Pip!" "Hold on!" commanded Jesper, and there the girl stood, unable to tear herself loose. Soon another girl stole into the room and took hold of the sledge. "Pip!" cried the bird again. "Hold on!" shouted Jesper. There were three servant-girls at the inn, all equally curious, so at length the third one came
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