ng of the
fact, but Andersen adds in his whimsical, charming manner, "for they
were all born of one tin spoon." All the other brothers were perfect;
our Soldier had but one leg, yet "it was just this soldier who became
remarkable." Even the missing leg creates an interest, and Andersen uses
it to center our attention upon his little hero.

5. Andersen tells us the following things about the Tin Soldier's
character:

a. He stood firmly even with but one leg to balance himself upon.

b. He thought his box was not a place for a lady-wife who lived in a
castle. This showed his humility.

c. Yet he was very human--"I must make her acquaintance."

d. When he fell from the window, he put his leg straight up, stuck his
helmet downward and his bayonet between the paving stones.

e. He would not call loudly to the servant-maid because he was in the
uniform of a soldier.

f. While in the boat rushing down the gutter, he trembled, but he never
changed countenance, and still looked straight before him.

g. He sighed for the little Lady's company, while passing through the
drain.

h. He would not answer the Water Rat.

i. He stiffened himself and would not move an eyelid when the paper boat
sank.

j. He lay unmoved even in the darkness of the fish's body.

k. He was not at all proud when he was rescued.

l. When he saw the Dancer again he very nearly wept tin tears, but he
thought how improper that would be, and kept them back.

m. He stood firm and shouldered his musket although the fire, or grief,
made all the colors leave him.

n. When the Dancer joined him in the flames he melted into a
heart-shaped lump of tin.

What a fine little Tin Soldier he proves to be! Could any one be more
loyal to his profession? Body erect, eyes to the front, musket
shouldered, every muscle at attention all the time, no matter if he had
but one leg to stand upon. He was brave as a lion, although once in the
presence of the direst danger he trembled a little, but he drove every
sign of fear from his face and stood his ground manfully. After he had
once seen the Dancer and realized how similar her trials must be to his,
how constant he was in his devotion! At his death what could be more
fitting than to see him melt into a little heart-shaped mass, the
symbol of his courage and constancy! Why should we call him the _hardy_
Tin Soldier; would it not have been better if the translator had called
him the _constant_ Tin Soldier?

Now,