There were animals in the cave, a fox, rabbits, birds and a wise old reindeer.

     Two of the birds began to talk to Gerda. She told them about Kay.

     'We saw a boy with snow Queen,' they said. 'He was with her in her sleigh.'

     One day the robbers went to attack another coach. There was nobody in the cave.

     But there was the wise old reindeer.

     'Take me to the snow Queen, dear reindeer,' Gerda said in kind voice. And they set off. Gerda rode on his back. After many days they came to a country in the far north.

     Here there was always snow and ice. The sun was bright in the sky but it was never hot. The animals were white not red or grey or brown.

     They saw a woman by lake.

     'You must go further north-to Finland!' she said.

     After many more days they came to a little house in the forest. An old woman lived there.

     'Where can I find the Snow Queen?' Gerda asked.

     'Her palace isn't far away, Darling,' the old woman replied. 'But be careful.

     If the Snow Queen catches you, you'll never come back. You'll be a prisoner for ever in her icy palace.'

     But Gerda wanted to find her brother. She said goodbye and ran towards the queen's palace.

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