Poor little Hans was very anxious to go and work
in his garden, for his flowers had not been watered
for two days, but he did not like to refuse the Miller,
as he was such a good friend to him.
’Do you think it would be unfriendly of me if I said
I was busy?’ he inquired in a shy and timid voice.
’Well, really,’ answered the Miller, ‘I do not think it is much
to ask of you, considering that I am going to give you my
wheelbarrow; but of course if you refuse I will go and do it
myself.’
’Oh no! on no account,’ cried little Hans and he jumped out of
bed, and dressed himself, and went up to the barn.
He worked there all day long, till sunset, and at sunset the Miller
came to see how he was getting on.
’Have you mended the hole in the roof yet, little Hans?’ cried the
Miller in a cheery voice.
