Карлсон, который живет на крыше

           Ontheotherhand,theysuddenlysawaladdershootinguptowardtheroof—oneofthosetall,extendingladdersthatthefiremenuse.

           Ericbegantowonder.

           "Supposing…supposing…they’recomingtofetchme,"hesaid,becausehesuddenlyrememberedthenotewhichhehadleftinhisroom.Anditwasgettinglate.

           "Butwhy?"saidKarlsson."Surelynobodycouldpossiblymindyourbeinguphereontheroofforashorttime?"

           "Yes,mymommywould,"saidEric."Sheworriesalot."

           HefeltverysorryforMommywhenhethoughtaboutit,andlongedforher.

           "Wecouldplaysometricksonthefiremen,couldn’twe?"suggestedKarlsson.

           ButEricwasunwillingtoplayanymoretricks.Hestoodstillandwaitedforthefiremanwhocameclimbinguptheladder.

           "Well,"saidKarlsson,"it’sreallyabouttimeIgotreadyforbed.Ofcourse,we’vetakenthingsprettyquietlyandnotplayedalotoftricks,butIdid,afterall,haveatleastninetyorahundreddegreesoftemperaturethismorning,wemustn’tforgetthat."

           Andhescuttledoffacrosstheroof.

           "Hi-ho,Eric!"heshouted.

           "Hi-ho,Karlsson!"saidEric.Butallthetimehewaswatchingthefireman,comingcloserandcloser.

           "Eric,"calledKarlssonbeforehedisappearedbehindthechimney,"don’ttellthefirementhatI’mhere…becauseI’mtheWorld’sBestFire-putter-outer,andIwouldnevergetamoment’speacewheneverafirebrokeoutanywhere."

           Thefiremanwasquiteclosenow."Staywhereyouare,"heshoutedtoEric.