’Well, really, that is generous of you,’ said little Hans, and his funny round face glowed
all over with pleasure. ‘I can easily put it in repair, as I have a plank of wood in the house.’
’A plank of wood’! said the Miller; ‘why, that is just what I want for the roof of my
barn. There is a very large hole in it, and the corn will all get damp if I don’t stop it up.
How lucky you mentioned it! It is quite remarkable how one good action always breeds
another. I have given you my wheelbarrow, and now you are going to give me your
plank. Of course, the wheelbarrow is worth far more than the plank, but true, friendship
never notices things like that. Pray get it at once, and I will set to work at my barn this
very day.’
’Certainly,’ cried little Hans, and he ran into the shed and dragged the plank out.
’It is not a very big plank,’ said the Miller, looking at it, ‘and I am afraid that after I
have mended my barn-roof there won’t be any left for you to mend the wheelbarrow
with; but, of course, that is not my fault. And now, as I have given you my wheelbarrow,
I am sure you would like to give me some flowers in return. Here is the basket, and mind
you fill it quite full.’
