After he had waited there some time , he sold the sack of flour for a very good price , and then he returned home at once , for he was afraid that if he stopped too late he might meet some robbers on the way . '' ` It has certainly been a hard day , ' said little Hans to himself as he was going to bed , ` but I am glad I did not refuse the Miller , for he is my best friend , and , besides , he is going to give me his wheelbarrow . ' `` Early the next morning the Miller came down to get the money for his sack of flour , but little Hans was so tired that he was still in bed . '' ` Upon my word , ' said the Miller , ` you are very lazy . Really , considering that I am going to give you my wheelbarrow , I think you might work harder . Idleness is a great sin , and I certainly do n't like any of my friends to be idle or sluggish . You must not mind my speaking quite plainly to you . Of course I should not dream of doing so if I were not your friend . But what is the good of friendship if one can not say exactly what one means ? Anybody can say charming things and try to please and to flatter , but a true friend always says unpleasant things , and does not mind giving pain . Indeed , if he is a really true friend he prefers it , for he knows that then he is doing good . ' '' ' I am very sorry , ' said little Hans , rubbing his eyes and pulling off his night-cap , ` but I was so tired that I thought I would lie in bed for a little time , and listen to the birds singing . Do you know that I always work better after hearing the birds sing ? ' '' ` Well , I am glad of that , ' said the Miller , clapping little Hans on the back , ` for I want you to come up to the mill as soon as you are dressed , and mend my barn-roof for me . ' `` 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 ! 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 XXXXX long , till sunset , and at sunset the Miller came to see how he was getting on . ''
Hans Miller Poor barn-roof birds course day sin things wheelbarrow