Short Stories
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 pull-
ing 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 gar-
den, 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 wheel-
barrow; 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 day long, till sunset, and at sunset the
Miller came to see how he was getting on.
“‘Have you mended the hole in the roof yet, little Hans?’
cried the Miller in a cheery voice.
“‘It is quite mended,’ answered little Hans, coming down the
ladder.
“‘Ah’! said the Miller, ‘there is no work so delightful as the
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