Hansel dismissed his breadcrumb trail, thinking he could find his way home later with Gretel. When they got into the middle of the woods, Hansel was ordered to get twigs for a fire as his parents went off into the woods. Gretel was fast asleep on a log. Hansel soon built a fire for him and Gretel as evening approached, but his parents never returned.

Gretel awoke and Hansel took her hand. "I think I remember the way home, quickly follow me," Hansel said. They went running through the woods toward where they thought their home was. Nothing in the woods was distinct and both children got lost quickly. They soon gave up. No one would hear their cries for help.