asked the Water-rat . `` Certainly not , '' answered the Linnet , `` that is the beginning . '' `` Then you are quite behind the age , '' said the Water-rat . `` Every good story-teller nowadays starts with the end , and then goes on to the beginning , and concludes with the middle . That is the new method . I heard all about it the other day from a critic who was walking round the pond with a young man . He spoke of the matter at great length , and I am sure he must have been right , for he had blue spectacles and a bald head , and whenever the young man made any remark , he always answered ` Pooh ! ' But pray go on with your story . I like the Miller immensely . I have all kinds of beautiful sentiments myself , so there is a great sympathy between us . '' `` Well , '' said the Linnet , hopping now on one leg and now on the other , `` as soon as the winter was over , and the primroses began to open their pale yellow stars , the Miller said to his wife that he would go down and see little Hans . '' ` Why , what a good heart you have ' ! cried his Wife ; ` you are always thinking of others . And mind you take the big basket with you for the flowers . ' `` So the Miller tied the sails of the windmill together with a strong iron chain , and went down the hill with the basket on his arm . '' ` Good morning , little Hans , ' said the Miller . '' ` Good morning , ' said Hans , leaning on his spade , and smiling from ear to ear . '' ` And how have you been all the winter ? ' said the Miller . '' ` Well , really , ' cried Hans , ` it is very good of you to ask , very good indeed .
I am afraid I had rather a hard time of it , but now the spring has come , and I XXXXX quite happy , and all my flowers are doing well . ' ''
am answered asked heard hopping spoke starts take thinking went