'"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."
'"Quite full?" said little
Hans, rather sorrowfully, for it was really a very big basket, and he knew that
if he filled it he would have no flowers left for the market, and he was very
anxious to get his silver buttons back.
'"Well, really," answered the
Miller, "as I have given you my wheelbarrow, I don't think that it is much
to ask you for a few flowers. I may be wrong, but I should have thought that
friendship, true friendship, was quite free from selfishness of any kind."
'"My dear friend, my best
friend," cried little Hans, "you are welcome to all the flowers in my
garden. I would much sooner have your good opinion than my silver buttons, any
day;" and he ran and plucked all his pretty primroses, and filled the
Miller's basket.
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