` What do you want , little Hans ? ' '' ` The Miller 's son has fallen from a ladder , and has hurt himself , and the Miller wants you to come at once . ' '' ` All right ! ' said the Doctor ; and he ordered his horse , and his big boots , and his lantern , and came downstairs , and rode off in the direction of the Miller 's house , little Hans trudging behind him . `` But the storm grew worse and worse , and the rain fell in torrents , and little Hans could not see where he was going , or keep up with the horse . At last he lost his way , and wandered off on the moor , which was a very dangerous place , as it was full of deep holes , and there poor little Hans was drowned . His body was found the next day by some goatherds , floating in a great pool of water , and was brought back by them to the cottage . `` Everybody went to little Hans ' funeral , as he was so popular , and the Miller was the chief mourner . '' ` As I was his best friend , ' said the Miller , ` it is only fair that I should have the best place ' ; so he walked at the head of the procession in a long black cloak , and every now and then he wiped his eyes with a big pocket-handkerchief . '' ` Little Hans is certainly a great loss to every one , ' said the Blacksmith , when the funeral was over , and they were all seated comfortably in the inn , drinking spiced wine and eating sweet cakes . '' ' A great loss to me at any rate , ' answered the Miller ; ` why , I had as good as given him my wheelbarrow , and now I really do n't know what to do with it . It is very much in my way at home , and it is in such bad repair that I could not get anything for it if I sold it . I will certainly take care not to give away anything again . One always suffers for being generous . ' '' `` Well ? '' said the Water-rat , after a long pause . `` Well , that is the end , '' said the Linnet . `` But what became of the Miller ? '' asked the Water-rat . `` Oh !
I really do n't know , '' replied the XXXXX ; `` and I am sure that I do n't care . ''
Blacksmith Hans Linnet Water-rat drowned goatherds mourner pocket-handkerchief right storm