But he lives so far away, and it is such a bad night, that it has just occurred to me
that it would be much better if you went instead of me. You know I am going to
give you my wheelbarrow, so, it is only fair that you should do something for me in
return.’
’Certainly,’ cried little Hans, ‘I take it quite
as a compliment your coming to me, and
I will start off at once. But you must lend me
your lantern, as the night is so dark that I am
afraid I might fall into the ditch.’
’I am very sorry,’ answered the Miller, ‘but
it is my new lantern, and it would be a great
loss to me if anything happened to it.’
’Well, never mind, I will do without it,’
cried little Hans, and he took down his great
fur coat, and his warm scarlet cap, and tied
a muffler round his throat, and started off.
