` Well , the fact is , ' said Hans , ` that I was obliged to . You see the winter was a very bad time for me , and I really had no money at all to buy bread with . So I first sold the silver buttons off my Sunday coat , and then I sold my silver chain , and then I sold my big pipe , and at last I sold my wheelbarrow . But I am going to buy them all back again now . ' '' ` Hans , ' said the Miller , ' I will give you my wheelbarrow . It is not in very good repair ; indeed , one side is gone , and there is something wrong with the wheel-spokes ; but in spite of that I will give it to you . I know it is very generous of me , and a great many people would think me extremely foolish for parting with it , but I am not like the rest of the world . I think that generosity is the essence of friendship , and , besides , I have got a new wheelbarrow for myself . Yes , you may set your mind at ease , I will give you my wheelbarrow . ' '' ` 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 do n'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 XXXXX , looking at it , ` and I am afraid that after I have mended my barn-roof there wo n't be any left for you to mend the wheelbarrow with ; but , of course , that is not my fault .
Hans Miller course day first repair rest shed wheel-spokes wheelbarrow